OPINION:
In his national Faith and Family Coalition rollout, Ron DeSantis emphasized his deep personal faith and his call to preserve our fundamental freedoms. He highlighted the right to practice one’s faith without hindrance and the sacred right of parents to raise their children within their beliefs, choosing the educational path that best suits their family’s values and beliefs.
During the recent Milwaukee Republican presidential debate, Sen. Tim Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence showcased their faith as a guiding beacon in their decision-making and ethical considerations.
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In a time marked by increasing depression and pervasive loneliness, America stands at a crossroads. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, over 30% of teens suffer from anxiety disorders. A SHRM survey showed that 38% of young adults feel lonely in their jobs.
As we confront pressing mental health challenges, we must reaffirm our shared values of inclusivity and religious liberty, ensuring that our religious institutions remain free to drive solutions for those struggling.
Underneath the growing divide between those who embrace religious beliefs and those who attack them is a hugely untapped resource: the extensive community networks, trust, and unparalleled capacity for inspirational leadership possessed by religious communities. These institutions, churches, synagogues, or temples remain pillars of civil society, showcasing extensive facilities, dedicated staff, committed volunteers, educational programming, and trusted communication tools.
Throughout its history, our nation’s greatest strength has been our celebration of diversity in faith and unwavering commitment to upholding the freedom for all to practice their beliefs. As we embrace collaboration between institutions, faith-based organizations, and individuals, our leaders can guide us toward a more inclusive and interconnected future while safeguarding the sacred right to worship freely and choose the education that aligns with our convictions. Against this backdrop, it is heartening to witness presidential candidates extending their outreach to faith-based communities, recognizing their pivotal role in our journey toward collective well-being and educational freedom.
For the past 15 years, businesses and governments have been cautious about working with faith-based groups because they worry about how it might look to the public, given the differences in people’s religious beliefs. Even though we’re told to bring our “whole selves” to work, mentioning we volunteered with our church or attended an event at a synagogue or temple does not seem to count.
Worse, there is growing concern that mainstream institutions are attacking parents’ views and forcing people into actions that counter their faith. This divide creates even greater instability in our national psyche, with Gallup recording the lowest levels of public confidence in our institutions.
To rebuild trust, we must emphasize the significance of our protected freedom of religion under the First Amendment, allowing us to choose our faith and integrate beliefs into our actions. It becomes even more crucial during growing anxiety, depression, and stress from COVID-19, social media, and fear of expressing faith. It’s heartening to see Republican presidential candidates competing on this issue, recognizing its importance in American society and the need to protect it.
Moreover, as we strive for unity, it’s worth acknowledging candidates who have championed religious liberty and freedom of choice. In doing so, our election process highlights the vital role that leaders play in protecting these rights and ensuring that they remain integral to the fabric of our society.
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Lisa Gable is a CEO, former US Ambassador, UN Delegate, and author of Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller “Turnaround – How to Change Course When Things Are Going South.” Lisa is recognized worldwide as a turnaround mastermind and innovative businesswoman and started her career in the Reagan administration.
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