Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
World Vision International: South Sudan Hunger Crisis Worsens: 7.8 Million Face Severe Food Insecurity, 2.2 Million Children Malnourished
MONROVIA, California, May 8 -- World Vision International issued the following news release:
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South Sudan hunger crisis worsens: 7.8 million face severe food insecurity, 2.2 million children malnourished
Juba, South Sudan -- Following the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report projecting that 7.8 million people in South Sudan will face crisis or worse levels of food insecurity between April and July 2026, World Vision South Sudan joins humanitarian actors across the country in raising alarm over the rapidly worsening hunger situation and calling for urgent action
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MONROVIA, California, May 8 -- World Vision International issued the following news release:
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South Sudan hunger crisis worsens: 7.8 million face severe food insecurity, 2.2 million children malnourished
Juba, South Sudan -- Following the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report projecting that 7.8 million people in South Sudan will face crisis or worse levels of food insecurity between April and July 2026, World Vision South Sudan joins humanitarian actors across the country in raising alarm over the rapidly worsening hunger situation and calling for urgent actionto prevent further deterioration.
"World Vision is deeply concerned, especially for children. No child should go hungry. Yet today, millions are suffering from malnutrition," said Mesfin Loha, World Vision South Sudan Country Director.
According to the latest IPC analysis, an estimated 7.8 million people--56 per cent of South Sudan's population--are projected to face crisis or worse levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 and above) between April and July 2026. The report further warns that famine remains a real risk in the most severely affected areas if urgent action is not taken.
Children continue to bear the brunt of the crisis. Approximately 2.2 million children aged 6-59 months are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition, including nearly 700,000 children at risk of severe acute malnutrition, a life-threatening condition if left untreated. An additional 1.1 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are also expected to be acutely malnourished.
The IPC analysis also indicates that approximately 73,000 people are already facing IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) across parts of Jonglei and Upper Nile states, where communities are experiencing extreme hunger, heightened mortality risk, and collapse of livelihoods.
The crisis is being driven by a convergence of factors, including escalating violence, widespread displacement, economic hardship, and climate-related shocks. Persistent insecurity in parts of Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity, and Equatoria continues to force families from their homes, destroy livelihoods, and restrict access to markets and humanitarian assistance.
At the same time, rising inflation and economic instability have severely reduced household purchasing power, while recurring floods and erratic weather patterns continue to disrupt agricultural production. The ongoing influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan is placing additional pressure on already overstretched services and fragile local systems.
In response, World Vision South Sudan is scaling up life-saving and resilience-focused interventions across affected communities in Upper Nile, Greater Bahr el Ghazal, Western and Central Equatoria. Working closely with government authorities, humanitarian partners, and local communities, World Vision is providing emergency food assistance, nutrition screening and treatment for malnourished children and mothers, livelihood support, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
However, World Vision warns that current humanitarian efforts are increasingly being overwhelmed by the scale of need.
"Ending hunger in South Sudan requires more than just food aid; it demands peace, protection, and collaboration. No single organisation can tackle this crisis alone. We also call for unrestricted humanitarian access and increased funding to ensure that people not only survive but thrive," added Mesfin.
World Vision also emphasised that ongoing insecurity and access constraints are severely disrupting humanitarian operations and limiting the delivery of life-saving support to some of the hardest-hit communities.
"As violence continues to escalate in many parts of South Sudan, without immediate intervention, the crisis could spiral further, leaving millions more at risk," said Mesfin.
The latest IPC findings underscore the urgency of scaling up coordinated humanitarian action across South Sudan.
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Original text here: https://www.wvi.org/newsroom/south-sudan/south-sudan-hunger-crisis-worsens-78-million-face-severe-food-insecurity-22
[Category: Sociological]
Environmental Defense Fund: FEMA Review Council Report Fails to Keep Americans Safe
NEW YORK, May 8 (TNSrpt) -- The Environmental Defense Fund posted the following news release on May 7, 2026:
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New FEMA Review Council Report Fails to Keep Americans Safe
Statement from EDF AVP for Coasts & Watersheds Will McDow
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(WASHINGTON) -- Today, the Trump administration unveiled its FEMA Review Council report. Environmental Defense Fund released the following statement from Associate Vice President for Coasts and Watersheds Will McDow:
"Americans are facing increasingly frequent and severe weather that's devastating homes, roads and crops, and the FEMA Review Council's recommendations
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NEW YORK, May 8 (TNSrpt) -- The Environmental Defense Fund posted the following news release on May 7, 2026:
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New FEMA Review Council Report Fails to Keep Americans Safe
Statement from EDF AVP for Coasts & Watersheds Will McDow
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(WASHINGTON) -- Today, the Trump administration unveiled its FEMA Review Council report. Environmental Defense Fund released the following statement from Associate Vice President for Coasts and Watersheds Will McDow:
"Americans are facing increasingly frequent and severe weather that's devastating homes, roads and crops, and the FEMA Review Council's recommendationsdon't meet this reality. The proposed changes would leave communities without the necessary funding, information and access to insurance to stay prepared and safe when disasters strike."
Slashing investments and functions of FEMA would shift enormous burdens onto states and communities and reduce government efficiency. Instead of one centralized agency that can respond for all states, we would need 50. State lawmakers on both sides of the aisle believe that a strong federal-state partnership is essential to effective disaster preparation and recovery. Narrowing the federal government's disaster responsibility and the communities that qualify for relief, as the report recommends, would leave states with heavy financial burdens and fewer recovery resources after disasters.
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With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
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REPORT: https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/26_0507_fema%20review%20council_final%20report.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.edf.org/media/new-fema-review-council-report-fails-keep-americans-safe
[Category: Environment]
Catholic League Issues Commentary: Anti-Israel Mob Threatens NYC Jews
NEW YORK, May 8 -- The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, an organization that defends the right of Catholics to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination, issued the following commentary on May 7, 2026, by President Bill Donohue:
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ANTI-ISRAEL MOB THREATENS NYC JEWS
On May 5, a mob of 100 anti-Israel protesters showed up outside the same Manhattan synagogue that 200 of them descended upon last November. Many of the radical Muslims hid their faces, wearing scarves and masks. As Jews entered the synagogue, they shouted, and carried signs, saying,
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NEW YORK, May 8 -- The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, an organization that defends the right of Catholics to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination, issued the following commentary on May 7, 2026, by President Bill Donohue:
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ANTI-ISRAEL MOB THREATENS NYC JEWS
On May 5, a mob of 100 anti-Israel protesters showed up outside the same Manhattan synagogue that 200 of them descended upon last November. Many of the radical Muslims hid their faces, wearing scarves and masks. As Jews entered the synagogue, they shouted, and carried signs, saying,"from the river to the sea," "long live the intifada," "stop the sale of stolen land," and "Israel should not exist."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani could not unequivocally condemn the "protesters." He allowed that Jews had a right to attend synagogue, but he objected to them going to an event where they could buy property in Israel, noting that some of the real estate that was for sale was in the West Bank.
Mamdani's comment about the West Bank is a ruse. He objects to any sale of land in Israel and that is because he does not recognize its right to even exist. According to the mayor, Israel, which is recognized under international law, has no right to exist "as a Jewish state."
Why not? He says he is against any state with a "hierarchy of citizenship on the basis of religion." That's rich coming from a radical Muslim who never cites this as an objection to Muslim-majority nations that impose sharia law. What could be more hierarchal and objectionable than a legal system that categorically denies elementary human rights?
Mamdani brags that opposition to Israel is "central to my identity." It sure is. That explains why, after the unprovoked slaughter of 1,200 innocent Jews on October 7, 2023, he could not bring himself to condemn it. But he did take the opportunity to accuse Israel of apartheid.
By contrast, Julie Menin, Speaker of the New York City Council, said the mob was guilty of fueling "the flames of antisemitism." She succeeded in getting a law passed (yet to go into effect) restricting protesters outside houses of worship. Mamdani opposed it, but then reluctantly accepted its fate knowing that Menin had secured a veto-proof majority. The Catholic League endorsed it.
Perversely, Mamdani declares New York City to be a "sanctuary city" that welcomes and protects illegal aliens--they are free to avail themselves of the full panoply of city services--but when it comes to a real sanctuary, e.g., a house of worship, his enthusiasm wanes.
Contrary to the conventional wisdom, and to what Mamdani believes, the First Amendment does not protect the right to assemble. It protects "the right of the people peaceably to assemble." Those who threaten Jews by trying to break through police barricades (one of the cops was hospitalized at the incident) are not assembling peacefully. Were it not for the police, these thugs would have assaulted innocent Jews.
When Catholic churches are torched and invaded, the Catholic League never fails to condemn them, demanding accountability for the guilty. It makes no difference which house of worship is targeted, we condemn all such behavior. And unlike Mamdani, we do so without equivocation.
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Contact his deputy communications director, Lekha Sunder: Lsunder@cityhall.nyc.gov
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Original text here: https://www.catholicleague.org/anti-israel-mob-threatens-nyc-jews/
[Category: Sociological]
CODEPINK Disrupts Warmongers Maria Corina Machado and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright at the AI+ Expo 2026
LOS ANGELES, California, May 8 -- CodePink, a grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end U.S.-funded wars and occupations, to challenge militarism globally, posted the following news release:
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CODEPINK Disrupts Warmongers Maria Corina Machado and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright at the AI+ Expo 2026
WASHINGTON D.C. - Taking advantage of every opportunity to disrupt business as usual for those who cheer on war, CODEPINK disrupted Maria Cornina Machado and later Secretary of Energy Chris Wright at two separate events during the first day of the AI+ Expo 2026 in D.C.
The
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LOS ANGELES, California, May 8 -- CodePink, a grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end U.S.-funded wars and occupations, to challenge militarism globally, posted the following news release:
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CODEPINK Disrupts Warmongers Maria Corina Machado and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright at the AI+ Expo 2026
WASHINGTON D.C. - Taking advantage of every opportunity to disrupt business as usual for those who cheer on war, CODEPINK disrupted Maria Cornina Machado and later Secretary of Energy Chris Wright at two separate events during the first day of the AI+ Expo 2026 in D.C.
Theactivists who disrupted Machado satirically awarded her with the "Monroe Doctrine Award" on behalf of the weapons contractors and greedy corporations after Venezuela's oil, gold, and rare earth minerals. Machado was recently (and quite ludicrously) awarded the Nobel Peace Prize while she was simultaneously calling for and campaigning for the Trump administration to bomb her country and kill the very people she wishes to govern.
"Maria Corina Machado is the most worthy recipient of the Monroe/Donroe Award. She has backed every war crime and massacre committed by the US government and its allies over the last two decades, including the killing of over 100 Venezuelans and Cubans during the January 3rd invasion," explained CODEPINK disrupter Denis Rogatyuk.
"Machado's ultimate dream is a Venezuela completely dominated by US and Israeli interests, and any sense of true sovereignty or independence completely crushed," said CODEINK co-founder Medea Benjamin.
Moments later, another activist disrupted the Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright. Wright has recently joined Secretary of State Marco Rubio in denying that the United States government is imposing a fuel blockade on Cuba despite the fact that they have repeatedly stated that was their goal since the executive order was issued by President Trump on January 29, 2026. As Secretary of Energy, Wright has openly supported a series of recent U.S.-led resource-driven wars, including military actions against Venezuela, the embargo on Cuba, and the war on Iran--each of which is an attempt by the United States to secure control over the resources of sovereign nations, to benefit the oil executives and weapons manufacturers at the expense of the people and the planet.
"Chris Wright and the Dept of Energy are in bed with the Department of War. We must end all these wars for oil and resources," said CODEPINK organizer Olivia DiNucci.
"This is an AI expo of death & destruction--not innovation. We need to end the war in Iran, genocide in Palestine--these are climate catastrophes! This is the guy who is denying there is an oil blockade on Cuba! We will never trust these tyrants," she continued.
All disrupters were kicked out of the expo by event security. No arrests were made. For more information, please contact Melissa at melissa@codepink.org.
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Original text here: https://www.codepink.org/aiexpodisruptpr
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR-WA Welcomes Hate Crime Charges in Racist Attack
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 7, 2026:
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CAIR-WA Welcomes Hate Crime Charges in Racist Attack
The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the filing of hate crime charges against a Seattle man accused of targeting a Black grocery store employee in Ballard with racist slurs, violent threats, and the use of a vehicle as a weapon.
Prosecutors allege that 27-year-old Jack Vafi shouted
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WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 7, 2026:
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CAIR-WA Welcomes Hate Crime Charges in Racist Attack
The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the filing of hate crime charges against a Seattle man accused of targeting a Black grocery store employee in Ballard with racist slurs, violent threats, and the use of a vehicle as a weapon.
Prosecutors allege that 27-year-old Jack Vafi shoutedracial slurs at a Black employee at a Ballard QFC before attempting to strike the worker with his vehicle in the store parking garage. Authorities say the suspect returned the following day and threatened to come back with a gun.
"Allegedly targeting someone because of their race is an attack on the safety and dignity of the entire community," said Imraan Siddiqi, Executive Director of CAIR-WA. "We commend prosecutors for pursuing hate crime charges in this disturbing case and urge continued vigilance against the rising normalization of hate-driven rhetoric and violence in our state and nationwide. Hate crimes leave lasting trauma not only for victims, but for entire communities."
He said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging systemic anti-Black racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
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CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-wa-welcomes-hate-crime-charges-in-racist-attack/
[Category: Sociological]
As Energy Bills and Extreme Weather Increase With Greatest Impacts on Environmental Justice Communities, WE ACT Demands Life-Saving Investments for Energy Efficiency and Cost Relief
NEW YORK, May 8 -- We Act for Environmental Justice issued the following news release:
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As Energy Bills and Extreme Weather Increase with Greatest Impacts on Environmental Justice Communities, WE ACT Demands Life-Saving Investments for Energy Efficiency and Cost Relief
WASHINGTON - As we continue to feel the real-time impacts of extreme weather and skyrocketing energy costs, WE ACT for Environmental Justice is urging Congress to provide increased funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The letters urge Congress to reject
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NEW YORK, May 8 -- We Act for Environmental Justice issued the following news release:
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As Energy Bills and Extreme Weather Increase with Greatest Impacts on Environmental Justice Communities, WE ACT Demands Life-Saving Investments for Energy Efficiency and Cost Relief
WASHINGTON - As we continue to feel the real-time impacts of extreme weather and skyrocketing energy costs, WE ACT for Environmental Justice is urging Congress to provide increased funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The letters urge Congress to rejectthe budget proposal by the Trump administration for fiscal year 2027 that, for the second year in a row, zeroes out WAP and LIHEAP. We are calling on policymakers to provide robust funding for these programs, recognizing the essential value and proven effectiveness of these programs for millions of communities that rely on them most. With climate-driven extreme weather intensifying, the Trump administration's attempt to dismantle these and other critical funds is particularly harmful as their policies deepen a historic energy crisis, raise the cost of living, and worsen the disproportionate burdens on low income communities and communities of color.
In response, Anastasia Gordon, Director of Federal Policy at WE ACT shared,
"Environmental justice communities often live in older, inefficient housing, face the highest energy burdens and outsized exposure to pollution, and are most vulnerable to increasingly dangerous climate change impacts like extreme heat - the deadliest climate impact of our time! That is why it is more important than ever to strengthen life-saving programs like the WAP and LIHEAP. They help households cut energy bills, reduce indoor air pollution, provide life-saving heating and cooling relief, create good paying jobs, and build long term resilience where it's needed most. This is the second time Trump's budget proposal entirely eliminates LIHEAP and WAP, disregarding their broad, bi-partisan support, demonstrated success, and the urgent needs of our communities. We need Congress to ensure there is robust and sustained investment for these vital programs so that everyone has access to safe, healthy, affordable, energy efficient and climate-resilient homes."
Background
The Weatherization Assistance Program is one of oldest, largest and most effective whole-of-home federal energy efficiency programs and has helped over 7.2 million low-income households, providing weatherization services that make their homes more energy efficient, lower energy bills, and improve health and safety. WAP saves $372 in energy costs annually, which is crucial at a time when most communities, especially people of color and lower income households, are spending the majority of their income on energy costs. It is also a sound investment, as for every $1.00 invested in weatherization, $1.72 is generated in energy benefits as well as $2.78 in non-energy benefits. By protecting communities right now, this efficiency program also reduces carbon emissions driving extreme climate impacts, and grows thousands of jobs. As frontline communities increasingly face the worst of climate disasters and energy costs, along with many health issues related to fossil fuel infrastructure, these funds are a moral and practical imperative.
LIHEAP is bipartisan, popular, and it works, but is severely underfunded. Recent WE ACT Healthy Homes First campaign polling showed that over 74% of bi-partisan national voters and almost 90% of low-income people of color are in support of LIHEAP. In 2022, LIHEAP ensured energy service for 1.7 million homes, and restored service to almost 250,000 more. However, because of limited funding, the program runs out earlier each year due to overwhelming demand. With summer on the horizon and temperature predictions showing a high likelihood of 2025 smashing all prior records of extreme heat in many cities, this funding is life or death.
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WE ACT for Environmental Justice is a Northern Manhattan membership-based organization whose mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low-income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. WE ACT has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. Visit us at weact.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, andInstagram.
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Original text here: https://weact.org/updates/as-energy-bills-and-extreme-weather-increase-with-greatest-impacts-on-environmental-justice-communities-we-act-demands-life-saving-investments-for-energy-efficiency-and-cost-relief/
[Category: Sociological]
Americans United Denounces National Day of Prayer as Christian Nationalism
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following news on May 7, 2026:
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Americans United denounces National Day of Prayer as Christian Nationalism
Americans United for Separation of Church and State President and CEO Rachel Laser issued the following statement in response to the National Day of Prayer:
"Americans don't need a National Day of Prayer; we need a national commitment to the separation of church and state, which protects our freedom to pray - or not - as we choose. Our Constitution's promise of church-state separation means the government
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WASHINGTON, May 8 -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following news on May 7, 2026:
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Americans United denounces National Day of Prayer as Christian Nationalism
Americans United for Separation of Church and State President and CEO Rachel Laser issued the following statement in response to the National Day of Prayer:
"Americans don't need a National Day of Prayer; we need a national commitment to the separation of church and state, which protects our freedom to pray - or not - as we choose. Our Constitution's promise of church-state separation means the governmentshould never tell us when, how, and whether to pray.
National Day of Prayer's legacy of Christian Nationalism
"The National Day of Prayer is, and always has been, an un-American example of Christian Nationalism - of government officials trying to impose religion on the people. The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 at the behest of Christian evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham. The National Day of Prayer Task Force's mission is 'to mobilize Christians to intercede for America,' which the task force wrongly claims was 'birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.'
"During both terms in office President Trump has held annual National Day of Prayer services at the White House featuring predominantly Christian clergy and Christian Nationalist policy announcements. At last year's NDP prayer service, Trump questioned the validity of church-state separation - a pillar of American democracy.
"As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4 - and President Trump's Christian Nationalist 'jubilee' on May 17 - I urge everyone to celebrate the fundamentally American invention of church-state separation, which promises everyone the freedom to live as themselves and believe as they choose, as long as they don't harm others. Church-state separation is what enables us to come together as equals and build a stronger democracy."
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Americans United is a religious freedom advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, AU educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom.
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Original text here: https://www.au.org/the-latest/press/national-day-of-prayer-2026/
[Category: Political]
