About Faith and Progressive Policy
Statement of Purpose
The Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative of the Center for American Progress works to identify and articulate the moral-ethical and spiritual values underpinning policy issues, shape a progressive stance in which these values are clear, and increase public awareness and understanding of these values. Faith and Progressive Policy also works to safeguard the healthy separation of church and state that has allowed religion in our country to flourish.
Faith and Progressive Policy works in all of its efforts to promote a society and government that strengthen the common good and respect the basic dignity of all people, and informs CAP’s wide-ranging efforts to promote a strong, just and free America that ensures opportunity for all.
Religion in the Public Sphere
A recurring theme in our national conversations has to do with religion and politics—whether, and how, religion should shape public policies and our common civic life. We work to provide new insights into this debate, bringing together diverse voices in order to raise important questions and find common ground within our pluralistic society.
A Fair and Just Economy
The current economic crisis raises basic questions about the purpose of our economy and whom it should serve. We work with our policy experts to frame the public debate in terms of fairness and justice for America’s families; raise up moral aspects of the current crisis; and bring together economic experts, faith leaders, and advocates to achieve broad public support for an economy that works for all Americans.
Civil Rights and Social Justice
Human beings have inherent dignity and worth, and we all deserve respect, fair and equal treatment under the law, and the opportunity to be full participants in American society. Faith and Progressive Policy works on issues of ethnic and racial diversity, LGBT rights, economic justice, religious diversity, and more, aiming to achieve a nation that celebrates the gifts of all its citizens.
Young Muslim American Voices Project
Muslim Americans are a diverse community that has long contributed to the health and wellbeing of our nation. Yet too often Muslim Americans face suspicion and misunderstanding in a post 9-11 world. We work to raise up the voices of Muslim Americans, especially the next generation of leaders, in order to lessen public misperceptions and make visible the rich realities of Muslim American lives.
Marriage Equality Project
Marriage and family are important components of American life, offering economic, legal, and emotional benefits to participants, as well as to society as a whole. Yet the right to marry and to adopt children is denied to many LGBT Americans. We work to strengthen alliances between faith communities and LGBT advocates in the struggle for marriage and family equality, developing moral messages and strategies to achieve this goal.
Alleviating Poverty Project
The gap between rich and poor is growing in our nation, leaving almost 40 million Americans living below the poverty line and struggling to carve out decent lives for themselves and their families. We work with our policy experts and with faith and community groups and policymakers to promote decent work, provide educational and housing opportunities, ensure economic security, and help build prosperity for all Americans.
Progressive Faith and Science
Religion and science are often seen as incompatible, but in truth they are harmonious forces that add insight and meaning to our lives. We work with our science team on issues ranging from evolution and stem cell research to conscience refusals, genetic enhancement, and more, in order to help raise understanding and moral awareness of scientific and ethical issues.
International Peace and National Security
Threats facing the global community are more pressing today than ever before. It is important to protect our own security as our nation confronts these challenges and also be true to our core values. We work with our national security and international policy experts on issues ranging from torture to conflict resolution to gaining new alliances with the Muslim world in order to connect faith leaders with policy experts as we work for a global common good.
Energy Opportunity
Climate change presents not only an economic opportunity, but also a moral and spiritual opportunity to become better stewards of our planet. We highlight the work of faith communities who are combating global warming through community efforts and advocacy, connecting them with progressive allies to create new partnerships toward energy efficiency and a healthier world.
Affordable Health Care
America’s health system is in crisis, leaving 45 million people without health insurance. This is also a moral crisis, for it leaves our most vulnerable citizens without basic protection. We work to bring progressive health care policies to faith based-audiences and highlight their inventive work helping those in need and advocating for comprehensive health care legislation.