John Fugelsang: Faith, Democracy, and the Separation of Church and State - April 15, 2026

Jews for a Secular Democracy and our cosponsors were honored to host John Fugelsang, author of the New York Times bestseller "Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds," for this important conversation. With his signature blend of humor, historical insight, and deep knowledge of scripture, Fugelsang challenges the misuse of religion in politics and explores what the First Amendment actually protects. In conversation with moderators Lynn Davis, Director of the Rabbi Joseph H. Gumbiner Community Action Project of the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, and Rev. ellie hutchison, Southern Arizona Community Organizer for the Arizona Faith Network, this program examines the rise of Christian nationalism and how it differs from Christianity; the gap between the teachings of Jesus and their political use today; why church-state separation protects both democracy and religion; what this moment means for religious minorities and pluralism; and how individuals and communities can respond.