The State of the Union is the high church for America’s civic religion. For religious groups, the speech was also a time to judge how president’s stances lined up with their ethics and values.
Some groups found some fun ways to enjoy the SOTU. There was a Jewish SOTU drinking game, which consisted of finding different ways to drink Manischewitz. There was also a Catholic bingo game was put together by NETWORK. The squares of the game boards covered values from Pope Francis’ “Joy of the Gospel” that NETWORK hoped would be featured in the SOTU. The game included a “grace space” in the center square and tokens featuring Pope Francis.
Most groups, however, stuck to old-fashioned tweets and blogs to talk about the SOTU. Here is a sampling of how groups reacted to the president’s speech.
We’re excited that the #sotu will address issues important to the faith community, including #immigration reform, #inequality & minimum wage
Of #SOTU, Shakespeare said it best: “Words, words, words.” The American ppl have tuned out.
— Ralph Reed (@ralphreed) January 29, 2014
— Faith in Public Life (@BoldFaithType) January 29, 2014
Across Africa, we’re bringing together businesses and governments to double access to electricity and help end extreme poverty.#SOTU
— ADL (@ADL_National) January 29, 2014
The White House’s solution to a pesky legislative branch? The #bullypen.
— Bread for the World (@bread4theworld) January 29, 2014
Shout out to faith leaders in the #sotu. The #timeisnow for #immigrationreform, and people of faith are strong voices to make that happen
— NETWORK (@NETWORKLobby) January 29, 2014
RT if you agree with Pres. Obama that the power of our vote, not the size of our bank account, should drive democracy #SOTU #VotingRights
— PFAW (@peoplefor) January 29, 2014
Can we get an amen? “It’s time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a “Mad Men” episode.” @SojoWomen #SOTU
— Jim DeMint (@JimDeMint) January 29, 2014
Mr. Obama extols “opportunity for all,” but abortion eliminates all opportunities for our unborn sisters and brothers. #prolife #SOTU
— Sojourners (@Sojourners) January 29, 2014
#ADL welcomes “opportunities to do good & promote understanding around the globe” #SOTU #Imagine
— Tony Perkins (@tperkins) January 29, 2014
The #SOTU would be stronger if the President worked with Congress, instead of threatening to work around them.
— Right to Life (@nrlc) January 29, 2014