I have always known that much planning and intention goes into creating and executing an event of the caliber of SRF. But to also experience in real time how the event-planning team made certain that SRF was a space accessible to folks is something I greatly appreciate, as we all deserve to feel welcome at the advocacy table.
As a faith leader, much of my work happens around a table: presiding over communion, coffee with a community partner, important conversations that require active listening to truly hear someone’s lived experience. As the new faith organizer and programs manager for Americans United, my work revolves around conversations at plenty of tables — and this was never truer than at this year’s Summit for Religious Freedom.
Around a breakfast table, faith leaders from around the country met and discussed strategy for their faith communities. Around tables at the Organizing Institute, folks shared stories and values as a way to connect with community members. Around tables, we had the privilege of hearing brilliant keynote speakers invite us to think creatively about the work of religious freedom and church-state separation in the public square. Around tables, intergenerational and interfaith conversations focused not only on combating Christian Nationalism, but also on cultivating community.
Honored to have experienced SRF for the first time, I departed feeling hopeful for our collective future.