Religious Freedom & Liberty

 

Religious freedom and church-state separation issues are of profound importance to WRJ. We seek to ensure that all people may live according to the teachings of their faith without fear of intimidation or persecution. As a religious minority, we celebrate the fact that the Jewish community has been able to thrive in North America, whereas in many other parts of the world Jews have been and continue to be the targets of violence and oppression. We acknowledge that religious freedom and church-state separation are inextricably entwined–one cannot exist without the other–and acknowledge that religious freedom issues often have great impact on other policy areas. We approach each new situation with respect and understanding for the unique nuances it brings.

WRJ addresses religious rights in the international arena as well as an Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations. In Israel, WRJ partners with others in the Reform Movement to advocate for religious pluralism and Reform rights. We proudly stand with our counterparts in WRJ-Israel, the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), and Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) in their fight for the rights of Reform rabbis, recognition for Reform marriage and conversion, and equal treatment for Reform and Progressive congregations in Israel. We provide financial support for these efforts and are particularly proud of the successes IRAC has had in the judicial arena, winning many significant legal battles on behalf of Reform rights. We also partner with Women of the Wall (WOW) and others to oppose the power of religious leaders who would silence women’s voices and hide women from public view. In support of their efforts, WRJ recently underwrote the new WOW Rosh Chodesh siddur, used by hundreds of women from around the world in prayers at the Western Wall.


Resolutions & Statements

2000: Concern Regarding the Trial of Thirteen Iranian Jews 

1993: Ethnic Conflict and Violence

1981: Extremist Movements

1981: Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination

1955: Individual Liberties
 

Advocacy Alerts

2015: Want to Make a Difference in Israel? ARZA in the WZO Elections

2014: Hobby Lobby SCOTUS Decision

2014: Board Statements: Nigerian Girls Kidnapping, Hobby Lobby

2014: Hobby Lobby SCOTUS Oral Arguments

2014: Roe v. Wade Anniversary

2013: Contraception Coverage, Gun Violence Prevention

2013: Gun Violence Prevention, Israeli Reform Rabbis

2013: Equality at the Kotel, Religious Freedom in Canada

2012: Sensible Gun Control and Women of the Wall

2012: Post-Election Webinar, Coalition Against Religious Discrimination, Protecting Contraception Access

2012: Sh'ma Smackdown, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Get Out The Vote

2012: Joplin Fire and Sikh Temple Shooting, Take Ammunition Off Our Streets, Personhood

2012: WRJ Joins Cour Brief in Favor of Gay Marriage, News from RAC and IRAC

2012: Take Action on Equality for Reform Rabbis in Israel, Experience the WRJ Blog

2011: Attack on Mosque in Israel, Breast and Ovarian Cancer: New Research

2011: Protect Health Funding, Glen Beck's Rant Against Reform Judaism

2010: Become Informed: Reform Jewish Movement Welcomes Approval of Cordoba House

2010: Ban on Reproductive Health Coverage, Rotem Conversion Bill, Child Nutrition Reauthorization

2010: Freezing Conversion Bill, Reauthorization of Child Nutrition Legislation

2010: Fighting Poverty with Faith, Child Nutrition Reauthorization, Rotem Conversion Bill

2010: Nashville Flood Relief, Muslim-Jewish Interreligious Dialogue, Radio Canada Interview with Dr. Abuelaish

2010: Proposed Conversion Bill in Knesset, No Nukes for Iran

2010: Call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to Prevent Passage of Conversion Legislation

2010: Call for Religious Equality in Israel

2010: Anat Hoffman Interrogated by the Jerusalem Police

2010: WRJ Sisterhoods Stand in Solidarity with Women of the Wall