What Democracy and Religion Look Like Across America

What Democracy and Religion Look Like Across America

Author: Interfaith Alliance June 14, 2026 Duration: 54:18
A backbone of the work we are able to do in the pro-democracy faith movement is the network of local Interfaith Alliance affiliates spread across the entire country—in red states and blue states and from sea to shining sea. As the attacks on religious freedom for all intensify, more and more communities are creating Interfaith Alliance affiliates. At the same time, the longest-active affiliate, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, just celebrated its 30th anniversary. So this week, we bring together the longtime leader of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, Connie Ryan, as well as the head of one of our brand-new affiliates, Rev. Ingrid McIntyre of Nashville, TN. Leading our nationwide affiliate program is Victoria Strang, and she’s also with us to provide a big-picture view of the crucial work happening in so many parts of our nation. Any group can become an affiliate. Whether you are an existing interfaith organization or looking to start one in your community please reach out to us. You can find the map of our existing affiliates on interfaithalliance.org/affiliate-network. You will see a button on that page titled "Start an Affiliate." just fill out that form and someone from the team will get back to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosted by Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, The State Of Belief is a weekly conversation that lives at the intersection of faith and public life, presented by the Interfaith Alliance. Each episode brings together a thoughtful and often surprising mix of voices-from religious leaders and activists to artists and civic strategists-for discussions that are as engaging and humorous as they are deeply meaningful. These dialogues move beyond abstract theory, offering a grounded look at how spiritual wisdom informs practical action and political engagement in real time. Tuning in, you’ll hear a potent blend of personal stories, strategic insight, and hopeful analysis from people working on the front lines of communities nationwide. The podcast operates from a simple but vital premise, captured in its tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet.” It’s a space designed not for debate, but for exploration, examining how diverse beliefs shape our collective pursuit of justice and democracy. If you’re looking for a source that takes the pulse of faith in America with intelligence, warmth, and a sense of urgency, this is the series for you.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The State Of Belief
Podcast Episodes
Democracy As a Theological Statement with Rebecca Solnit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:37
This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Rebecca Solnit—prolific writer, best-selling author, activist, and public intellectual. With 25 books to her credit—so far—Rebecca's latest is titled The Beginning…
What We Know About Christian Nationalism with Robert P. Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:02
How deeply has Christian Nationalism penetrated American society? It’s clearly a driving force in our government, but what about ordinary people across the country? With an enormous sample size, the Public Religion Resea…
History as Fuel: Reza Aslan on the latest Iran War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:38
We’ve been looking at the war on Iran through the wrong lens, according to Iranian-American religion scholar Reza Aslan. It’s tempting to think that economic sanctions or military strikes will change Iran’s course overni…
The Downward Arc of Donald Trump, With Ruth Ben-Ghiat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:18
Virility and victimhood – how do these seemingly opposite characteristics prop up strongman leaders throughout recent history? Expert and best-selling author Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat connects the dots in a conversation full of…
The Epstein Files as a Mirror, With Rabbi Jay Michaelson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:47
As exhausted as many of us are by the ever more sordid revelations in the Epstein scandal, author and journalist Rabbi Jay Michaelson says its importance is only growing. Joining host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on th…
Faith in Action: Bishop Dwayne Royster's Call to Justice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:26
In a time of mounting division and injustice, faith isn’t just a personal refuge—it’s a call to step up and speak out. This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Bishop Dwayne Royster, Executive Director…
The Light We Give: Simran Jeet Singh on Courage and Community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:25
What does courage look like on the ground? For many faith leaders and everyday citizens, it involves showing up despite risks, discomfort, or opposition. Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, scholar and activist, describes courage roo…
Jewish-Muslim Solidarity: Moral Witness in Pressing Times [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:29
It’s not a zero-sum game. This week on The State of Belief, interfaith organizer Maggie Siddiqi makes clear that coming together to counter antisemitism and Islamophobia is an essential part of the effort to protect Amer…