Show notes:
In the first segment, our panelists discuss the Supreme Court’s weakening legitimacy. While Congress holds the power to tax and spend, and the President as commander in chief, the Court’s power lies in its symbolic authority. However, the Court relies on acceptance from the other branches and the public to enforce its rulings, making legitimacy crucial. Partisan actions can harm the Court’s perceived impartiality and public trust, evident in declining approval ratings since Bush v. Gore. Comparatively, other Western countries have fixed terms or retirement ages for judges, raising questions about the highly political nature of the American selection process and its implications for religious freedom.
In the second segment of the show, our focus turns to the case Tassinari v. Salvation Army et.al. The Salvation Army in Massachusetts is arguing that its shelters can discriminate against individuals with opioid use disorder who rely on medication-assisted therapy, citing religious objections. This raises questions about the clash between religious freedom and federal civil rights obligations to serve people with disabilities. Proponents of religious exemptions claim protection, but they can also be used as a weapon to impose beliefs on others. The case highlights the tension between religious freedom and the health needs of marginalized individuals.
In the final segment, Tell Me Something I Don’t Know, each panelist quickly shares interesting pieces of information related to religious freedom.
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About the Show: Faith & Politics is a show dedicated to discussing issues surrounding the intersection of Church, State and politics and the examination of whether you are allowing your faith to shape your politics or your politics starting to shape your faith. What do you do when God and government come face to face?
Panelists: Dr. Lawrence Brown, Associate PARL (Public Affairs & Religious Liberty) Director Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Todd McFarland, Deputy General Counsel for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Tim Schultz, President of 1st Amendment Partnership – nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting religious freedom for Americans of all faiths based in Washington, DC; Vialo Weis, Jr., attorney and departmental director for Public Affairs and Religious Liberty and Planned Giving for Indiana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
About Us: North American Division Public Affairs & Religious Liberty (PARL) is a ministry dedicated to proclaiming and defending the God-given gift of religious freedom which is integral to our identity as Seventh-day Adventist Christians. Learn more about PARL at www.religiousliberty.info.
Panelists
Dr. Lawrence Brown
Todd McFarland
Tim Schultz
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