The first Thursday of May, today, marks the National Day of Prayer. It’s a day established by Congress in 1952 as a day when “the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.” This year, it comes just days after a leaked draft brief suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to strike down Roe v. Wade. While today was intended to honor the power of intentional introspection for people of all faiths –and even those of non-faith – the day is often co-opted by the religious right to push forth their political agenda which unfailingly centers on an evangelical version of Christianity. But there are progressive faith voices who believe differently. […]
Religious Right Watch
The religious right strategically uses religion and religious language, combined with patriotic symbols, to push a political agenda that has little connection to the values of mainstream people of faith. It is, in short, a political rather than religious movement. The Texas Freedom Network has monitored the religious right in Texas since 1995.
Resources
- The Rise of the Religious Right in Texas (2006 Report)
- The Religious Right and the State Board of Education (2008 Report)
- The Religious Right and Sex Education
- The Bible and Public Schools
- How the Religious Right Hijacked the National Day of Prayer (2005 Report)
- The Texas Restoration Project
- David Barton Watch
Just Texas Reminds Us All People Are Worthy and Beloved This National Day of Prayer
The first Thursday of May marks National Day of Prayer. Begun as a day meant to honor the power of intentional introspection for people of all faiths–and even those of non-faith–the day is often co-opted by the religious right to push forth their political agenda which unfailingly centers an evangelical version of Christianity. The religious right using faith as a political tactic to control the masses is nothing new. But this National Day of Prayer comes just days after the leaked draft of the Supreme Court majority opinion was released that suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to strike down Roe v. Wade. Once again, we are seeing how the far right’s boundless cruelty inflicts harm upon the communities that people of faith are meant to care for.
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The Book Banners Are Coming for Optimus Prime
Now, the book banners are coming for Optimus Prime. There are many reasons why the recent surge of books banned from school libraries should concern all of us. A major one is this censorship movement’s predictable descent into something that will likely leave you scratching your head, wondering just why they banned that one. It highlights how this movement isn’t concerned with quality education, and it’s really all about control and playing politics with our neighborhood schools. […]
What is the Texas State Board of Education & How Can You Get Involved?
Soon, revisions for the state’s social studies standards will begin at the State Board of Education, and we’re keeping a watchful eye. Especially after the political circus that dominated the last major revision in 2010. This year is already off to a worrisome start–with a conspiracy theorist appointed to the advisory board and new attacks on teachers, books, and accurate, honest education mounting each day. […]
Transgender Day of Visibility: How the Equality Coalition Fought for Trans Kids & Their Families Following Texas’ Most Recent Attacks
Today is Transgender Day of Visibility. This year, as we celebrate the lives of transgender people and the beauty and diversity transgender Texans bring to our state, the most recent attacks demand we take action. In February, Attorney General Paxton and Gov. Greg Abbott took aim at transgender kids and their loving families, directing Texas CPS to investigate gender-affirming care for minors as child abuse. We need you to join our fight for transgender Texans! We’re holding a rally at the Capitol this Saturday, 4/2 in observance of #TransgenderDayofVisibility. Read on to learn more about the Equality Coalition’s work to show everyone that our transgender neighbors belong in Texas. […]
