Dispatch #2: Religion and the Chauvin Verdict
From the Faith & Politics Project
Hello! Welcome to the second dispatch of the Faith & Politics Project.
We’re thrilled that you’re joining us. Below you'll find a reflection from one of our team members on not fasting during Ramadan, reporting on the Chauvin verdict, and new job postings. Let us know what you think!
Choosing Not to Fast:
I usually look forward to Ramadan. Of course fasting is hard, but for thirty days there is an energy about my house and my family that is really special—normalizing 3 hour midday naps, binge watching bad TV, and ramping up the iftar excitement for the youngest family members. My friends who live in Muslim-majority countries are often aghast at the idea of fasting when almost everyone around you isn’t, but for me, the difficulty translates to a sense of solidarity with my community. With COVID, my ability to connect with that community is watered down, and moreover, fasting is most difficult when I’m idle at my house rather than at work or school. While that difficulty often translates to accomplishment and even spiritual closeness, after the first few fasts this year, I found myself resenting my relationship to my faith and spirituality. Like many, I have a complicated relationship with my religion—and right now I am happy to lean into my Muslim identity. If fasting compromises that, I’d rather focus on the many other ways I can make Ramadan the holiest month in the Muslim calendar.
This Week in the News: Religion and the Chauvin Verdict
Chauvin verdict isn’t a turning point in equal justice, but it does suggest a new political norm by John Stoehr, Religion Dispatch
“If a Black man can be president, the thinking went, the old racist America was redeemed. If a white cop can be found guilty of murdering a Black man, the American system of justice was similarly redeemed.”
Faith leaders praise Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdicts, acknowledge work ahead by RNS Staff, Religious News Service
“The verdicts provide greater assurance for all Americans that life, regardless of ethnicity, is sacred, equal, and worthy. It bolsters the truth that each child of God inherently possesses rights that must be respected by everyone, including by those sworn to serve and protect our communities.”
Derek Chauvin's guilty verdict might be an exodus for America by Charlie Dates, The Washington Post
“Tuesday may be the day that the ancient account of God’s deliverance becomes as important to America as it has been to the Black church.”
Team Reflections:
Pastor Charlie Dates’ offers a compelling reflection on the Chauvin verdict as a biblical stepping stone. He neither underplays nor exaggerates the impact of this decision, instead contextualizes it within the history of anti-Black violence. His conclusion rings clear to me—liberation is not here, but she’s on her way.
Jobs Bulletin
Community Organizer - Faith in New Jersey
Community Organizer - Vermont Interfaith Action
Digital Campaigner - Faithful America
Director of Development - Massachusetts Climate Action Network
Program Associate - American Jewish World Service
Social Action and Organizing Manager - Congregation B’nai Jesherun
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