Faith is Standing Strong: Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck

On April 30th, Reverend Paul Brandeis Raushenbush and Reverend Dr. Shannon Fleck of Faithful America stood in front of the Supreme Court building to protest against tax dollars going to private religious schools. This issue was being discussed in the case of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond. The State of Belief show aired a message recorded by Shannon and Paul that morning at the Court. The conversation delved into Shannon’s background as a probation officer and her journey to becoming a minister and advocate for social justice. Shannon’s leadership at the Oklahoma Faith Network, where programs like “No Hate in the Heartland” were developed, showcased her passion for social justice and organizing around religious values.

The St. Isidore case, which originated in Oklahoma, holds significant importance for those concerned with the Establishment Clause of the US Constitution. Shannon’s insight sheds light on the case’s history and importance. Recently appointed as the executive director of Faithful America, Shannon discusses the challenges posed by Christian Nationalism and the unequal treatment of various belief systems, emphasizing the crucial role of faith-based alliances in amplifying underrepresented voices and resisting political pressures.

Shannon’s message to “know your neighbor” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of building connections in times of division. The article urges readers to share the episode with others and thanks them for their support in reading independent news about religion provided by RNS. The nonprofit organization relies on reader donations to continue offering trustworthy coverage of how religion influences policy, power, and people. Donations are welcomed to ensure that journalists have the resources needed to continue delivering this essential reporting.