Rising Hostility Against Houses of Worship

Show notes:

In the first segment, our panelists discuss the alarming rise in hostility against churches in the United States, as highlighted in the Family Research Council’s recent report, “Hostility Against Churches Is on the Rise.” The report reveals a troubling trend, with 420 acts of hostility against churches occurring between January 2018 and September 2022. These include vandalism, arson, gun-related incidents, bomb threats, and more, posing a significant challenge to the free exercise of religion and underscoring the need for increased awareness and action to protect religious freedom.

In the second segment of the show, we explore the court case Slockish v. United States Department of Transportation. This case centers on the federal government’s deliberate destruction of a Native American sacred site, Ana Kwna Nchi Nchi Patat, in 2008. Despite admitting it could have added a highway turn lane without harming the site, the government’s actions violated federal laws protecting religious freedom. Native Americans are seeking accountability and restoration of the site, echoing the protection afforded to churches, synagogues, and mosques. The case highlights the ongoing struggle to safeguard Native American sacred lands.

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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:
Michelle Bernard, American Journalist, National Political Analyst, and President and CEO of the Bernard Center For Women; Dr. Lawrence Brown, Associate PARL (Public Affairs & Religious Liberty) Director Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Todd McFarland, Deputy General Counsel General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; André Wang, General Counsel and Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the North Pacific 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.