Religious Liberty for Native Americans

Show notes:

In the first segment, our panelists discuss South Dakota Senate Bill 124, which has ignited a debate on religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. This year, at least 36 anti-LGBTQ+ religious freedom measures, including some tucked in COVID church bills, have been filed, raising concerns about finding the right balance between religious freedom and nondiscrimination. SB 124 aims to limit government authority when it comes to religious exercise, but questions arise about how it may impact LGBTQ+ individuals. Join us as we explore the complexities of this contentious issue.

In the second segment of the show, we explore the court case Apache Stronghold v. United States, focusing on the battle to protect the sacred site Oak Flat in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest. Native Americans have revered this site for generations, conducting religious ceremonies and worshiping there. However, a rider attached to a defense bill in 2014 directed the transfer of the land to a mining company, endangering the sacred site. Counsel is now fighting to preserve religious freedom for Native Americans and the right to protect their sacred places.

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About the Show:
Faith and 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:
Bettina Krause, Editor of Liberty Magazine; Blayre Marley, Senior Manager, corporate Counsel at Fisher Scientific; Melissa Reid, Washington Liaison for the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; and Jennifer Woods, General Counsel and Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the Lake Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

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.