In war zones across the world today, where human dignity is treated with contempt – through the bombing of innocent lives, hospitals and the restriction of humanitarian aid – the sanctity of human life demands that we have the humility to transcend our own egos and communal ideological assumptions.
We live in an ideologically divided world that refuses to see the truth beyond its own prejudices.
This becomes painfully clear in the comments on social media surrounding hot topics such as the genocide in Gaza, the Ukraine war, and the threats against Iran and the uprising of its people.
Justice becomes blurred by ideological zeal. In this context, voices of conscience have become imperative – to challenge assumptions and expose the intentions behind a hidden contempt for human dignity and rights.
Carrie Prejean Boller, a conservative Catholic activist who was serving as a commissioner on President Donald Trump’s White House Religious Liberty Commission, did what a person of conscience might do. She questioned assumptions and ideological dispositions during a commission hearing on antisemitism.
- Sign up for Aliran's free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both
- Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara (ALIRAN), Maybank a/c 507246118995 or CIMB a/c 8004240948
- Make a pledge or schedule an auto donation to Aliran every month or every quarter
- Become an Aliran member
At the meeting, Prejean Boller – wearing a US-Palestinian flag pin – challenged witnesses and criticised Israel, questioning whether opposition to the state’s actions and policies should automatically be labelled antisemitic.
She also expressed anti-Zionist views, stating: “I will continue to stand against Zionist supremacy in America. I’m a proud Catholic. I, in no way, will be forced to embrace Zionism as a fulfilment of biblical prophecy.”
Her statement appeared to expose a deception that has long been embedded in American political and religious discourse – that being critical of Israeli aggression should not automatically be equated with antisemitism.
Her questions and statements marked a clear break from the dominant pro-Israel line within much of the US conservative and Christian right establishment.
She appeared to transcend the ideological worldview of her peers and followed her conscience as a Catholic, after reflecting on the brutal and inhumane treatment of the people of Gaza.
She was removed from the Religious Liberty Commission in February 2026 following her anti-Zionist comments.
She paid a price for her publicly stated, conscientious questioning of the assumptions behind the term antisemitism, which is often used to silence critics who oppose Israeli-Zionist atrocities.
It is disappointing that certain religious leaders on the panel, who are also religious teachers, were conspicuously silent. They appeared unwilling to be seen as antisemitic or perhaps they simply wanted to appear ‘neutral’ to all sides.
If one engages with the Christological dimension of faith, it is about loving one another – even one’s enemy.
In a world made up of people with diverse ideological interests, particularly in politics, people must adhere to their conscience in exposing injustice while working for peace and reconciliation among communities.
Peace is not possible without justice. And to will justice, one must have a heart of conscience that desires dignity and the common good for all.
A heart of conscience expands. It cries out for the suffering and the maimed, and seeks justice, reconciliation and peace.
The example set by Carrie Prejean Boller, in this instance, is worth emulating – especially in a world where truth and justice are often blurred by prejudice and ideological assumptions.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
They cry peace peace when there is no peace. This sums up what Aliran is all about. People who look at the surface of things not understanding the nature of Absolute evil therefore subject to the lies of serpent.
The ultimate war is coming and you will know you have been out of step in the alignment of powers when China Russia and Iran finally got their act together.