On Wednesday, April 30th, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush was with Faithful America Executive Director Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck in front of the Supreme Court building, saying “No!” to tax dollars being funneled to private religious schools. That’s the issue that was before the justices as they heard arguments in St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond. This week, The State of Belief starts with an urgent message Shannon and I recorded that morning at the Court. After that, you’ll hear an in-depth conversation they had a few weeks earlier, getting into her background as a probation officer and Oklahoma native called to ministry and faith-driven activism. Shannon’s passion for social justice and skill at organizing around shared religious values were evident in her time leading the Oklahoma Faith Network. During that time, the organization developed programs like “No Hate in the Heartland.”

The St. Isidore case originated in Oklahoma, and Shannon is intimately familiar with its history and its significance for anyone concerned with the Establishment Clause of the US Constitution. The background she reveals makes clear exactly why this is such a big deal.

Most recently, Rev. Fleck was chosen to serve as executive director of Faithful America, the largest online community of Christians advocating for social justice. It’s an incredibly difficult time to step into that kind of role, but our conversation shows why she was called to this role, and how prepared she is to take it on. Shannon openly discusses the difficulties caused by Christian Nationalism and unequal treatment of different belief traditions, emphasizing the vital role that faith-based alliances play in uplifting underrepresented voices and fending off political pressure.

Shannon’s call to “know your neighbor” is an invaluable reminder that deep connections can still thrive even in a time of seemingly unbridgeable division.

Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, and thank you for listening!