Supporters of separation of church and state are probably feeling a mix of emotions today, anger and sadness among them, as Donald Trump kicks off another term as president.
Despite his clear lack of anything like a moral compass, Trump is a hero to Christian Nationalists and is expected to aggressively push their agenda during the next four years.
We have every reason to be alarmed. And it’s OK to feel angry or sad today. But those negative emotions won’t serve us well in the long run. Instead of wallowing in despair, we need a plan of action.
And that’s just what Americans United has. Even before the election, we began formulating a plan to defend separation of church and state in the event of a Trump victory. That has come to pass, and we’re ready to implement it.
Click here to learn more about what AU is planning, including the ambitious, 4-year, $5 million Freedom Without Favor Fund we just launched to ensure we have the resources needed to fight back against the coming Christian Nationalist onslaught. You can also learn more by checking out this column by AU President and CEO Rachel Laser and this one.
One thing to keep in mind: For nearly 80 years, Americans United has been the only national non-sectarian, non-partisan organization defending separation of church and state. That’s eight decades of experience. We’ve been through hostile administrations before; we know what to expect.
Let’s not kid ourselves: The next few years will be challenging. But real religious freedom, undergirded by the separation of church and state, is a principle worth fighting for. Without it, America is no longer the nation it was meant to be – a country where people of all faiths (and none) live side by side in peace, free to worship or not as dictated by conscience without the government extending preference to or disparaging any faith or belief system.
With your help, Americans United will advocate for that vital principle every day during the Trump years.
You can count on it.
