| | | | | Washington Bishop Mariann Budde Appeals to President to "Have Mercy …" | | Washington Bishop Mariann Budde, in her Jan. 21 sermon at Washington National Cathedral’s Service of Prayer for the Nation. | [Episcopal News Service] Washington Bishop Mariann Budde, in her Jan. 21 sermon at Washington National Cathedral’s Service of Prayer for the Nation, called on all Americans to strive for a renewed unity based in honesty, humility and respect for human dignity — and she directed her final words to President Donald Trump, who was seated in the front row.
“Millions have put their trust in you,” Budde said to Trump, who was joined at the Episcopal cathedral’s service by Vice President JD Vance and their spouses.
Budde then alluded to Trump’s speech the day before, at his Jan. 20 inauguration. Trump, who survived an assassination attempt during the 2024 presidential campaign, had said he felt “saved by God to make America great again.”
“In the name of our God,” Budde continued, “I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”
Some gay, lesbian, and transgender Americans fear for their lives, Budde said, and a similar fear looms over hard-working immigrant families in communities across the country. “They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” Budde said. “They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara and temples.
“I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here. Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land.” | | | | 'For Such a Time as This' Interfaith Service Held on January 20 | | Screen capture of the Interfaith Service held in Memphis, Tenn. on January 20 | World Council of Churches—During an interfaith service in Memphis, Tennessee, on 20 January at the Healing Cathedral Christian Church, hundreds gathered in-person and online to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.’s legacy and to respond to deep injustices plaguing the United States.
The “For Such a Time as This: A Prophetic Response to America’s Defining Moment,” service was held on the same day as the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump’s second term.
The gathering united faith leaders, community advocates, and people of goodwill, committed to amplifying justice, equity, and love in the face of divisive and regressive forces.
After greetings from leaders of many faith traditions and lively music, Bishop William J. Barber II, president and senior lecturer, Repairers of the Breach, and professor of public theology for Yale Divinity, issued a “Moral Call to Action.”
He began by warning the congregants that he might ask some strange questions. “Don’t get mad—just think about them,” he said. “What if Trump is just a footman and not the horses, and what if we make him the reason we organize—and we actually commit idolatry because America had problems before this inauguration?”
“Maybe it’s time to work the vision,” Barber said.
He recalled in history times when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was certainly weary—particularly one evening in Memphis. That night, King said: “The nation is sick. Trouble is in the land. Confusion all around.” | | | Summit, N.J. Interfaith Council Participates in MLK Day Service | | Rev. Stephen A. Green (left), Rev. Julie Yarborough, and Matt Markay at Fountain Baptist Church Martin Luther King Day service in Summit, N.J. (Photo: Matt Markay) | Rev. Stephen A. Green, pastor of The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York and former NCC consultant, was the guest preacher the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day service held at Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, N.J., Rev. Willie Dwayne Francois III, senior pastor. In attendance at the service was NCC project coordinator Matt Markay, and his mother, Rev. Julie Yarborough, associate pastor of Christ Church Summit. She and other members of the Summit Interfaith Council also took part in the service. | | | | Mental Health Through the Lens of Faith January 30, Noon (Virtual) |
Join the North Carolina Council of Churches Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) initiative for the first webinar of their Abundant Life Webinar Series: Mental Health Through the Lens of Faith.
This session will explore the connection between faith and mental health, offering a perspective on how spirituality can support emotional well-being and resilience.
Dr. Tonya D. Armstrong, e founder and CEO of The Armstrong Center for Hope, a distinguished psychologist, minister, author, and wellness consultant, is the guest speaker. Dr. Armstrong brings valuable expertise in promoting both psychological and spiritual wellness, making her an inspiring voice for this important conversation. | | | | Downtown Washington, DC Congregations Issue Statement Following Presidential Pardon of January 6 Rioters | | Recently pardoned leader of the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio with Proud Boys organizer Joe Biggs in Washington, DC to protest Donald Trump's election loss in 2020. (Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) | As a member and social justice minister of The Historic Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Washington, one of the churches that sustained damage when their property/BLM banner was desecrated in a highly public act of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers during the 2020 BLM protests (the others were Metropolitan AME, Mount Vernon Place UMC, and Luther Place Memorial Church), and secretary of the DC Downtown Cluster of Congregations, Terry Lynch issued a statement from the ecumenical coalition about President Trump’s “egregious pardons of the J6 insurrectionists,” which includes Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio who pled guilty to the crimes, was sentenced to 22 years, and was just released this week following President Trump's sweeping pardons. A January 21 Washington Post article referenced the coalition, stating “memories remain fresh in D.C. of the Proud Boys’ role in street violence at Trump’s “stop the steal” rallies after the 2020 election.” “The President’s actions cannot hide or sweep away what occurred on Jan. 6…nor of the events leading up to it”, says Terry Lynch, executive director of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations civic group in Washington, D.C. Prior to the 6th members of the Proud Boys and others wreaked violence and havoc at churches in downtown Washington at two “Stop the Steal” Events, precursors to the tragic events of the 6th. The leader of the Proud Boys was convicted of stealing and burning the Black Lives Matter sign of the historic African American Asbury United Methodist Church. “Their actions both at events on and before January 6th were meant to not just intimidate but to spread fear …. If not even overturn the results of the election. Lives were tragically lost and irreparably damaged by these events. The President’s pardons and commutations — including those convicted of violence — cannot erase the damage nor the lasting impacts caused by those who were guilty of crimes that day. We so strongly disagree with his sweeping actions, and we do not forget,” says Mr. Lynch. “The President’s actions have denied justice to the many victims of the events of that day and especially for the some 150 Capitol and DC Police who were injured and those that died.” | | Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, third from left, speaks at the unveiling of a new Black Lives Matter sign at Asbury United Methodist Church, days after the original was torn down and burned in 2020. (RNS/Jack Jenkins) | | | Immigration Resources for Churches | | A Christmas nativity scene depicts Jesus, Mary, and Joseph separated and caged, as asylum seekers detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, at Claremont United Methodist Church in Claremont, Calif. in 2019. The Claremont Church has worked to assist asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) | Use the link below to access a list of resources for churches to use regarding the new administration's executive orders about immigration. Within these resources, you can learn what churches can do if ICE shows up at the door, different legal services and hotlines available, and online webinars and trainings that the ACLU and other organizations are hosting soon. | | | ACLU Offers Know Your Rights Immigration Facts Web Page | If Law Enforcement Asks Your Immigration Status Regardless of immigration status, persons have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn more below about immigrant rights and how to express them. How to Reduce Risk to Yourself Stay calm. Don’t run, argue, resist, or obstruct the officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated. Keep your hands where police can see them. Don’t lie about your status or provide false documents.
Your Rights You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court. If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent requests your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them with you. If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no. Agents do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause. If you’re over 18, carry your papers with you at all times. If you don’t have them, tell the officer that you want to remain silent, or that you want to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.
What to Do In some states, you must provide your name to law enforcement if you are stopped and told to identify yourself. But even if you give your name, you don’t have to answer other questions. If you are driving and are pulled over, the officer can require you to show your license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance, but you don’t have to answer questions about your immigration status. Customs officers can ask about your immigration status when entering or leaving the country. If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who has maintained your status, you only have to answer questions establishing your identity and permanent residency. Refusal to answer other questions will likely cause delay, but officials may not deny you entry into the United States for failure to answer other questions. If you are a non-citizen visa holder, you may be denied entry into the U.S. if you refuse to answer officers’ questions.
Additional Resources In Other Languages | | | The Religious Nationalisms Project Summit: Countering Religious Nationalisms, and Multi-faith Public Witness in Today’s Political Climate | | This one-day conference features noted presenters from Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist traditions. Presenters and participants will identify how religious nationalisms operate within all faith traditions and identify inclusive approaches to counter religious nationalisms and our multi-faith public witness in today's political climate. Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025 Time: 9 AM–5 PM program; 8 AM continental breakfast; lunch will be provided. Location: The United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC Conference Cost: $30.00 (Suggested Donation, Scholarships Available)
Sponsors are welcome to offset the conference costs and support The Religious Nationalism Project (TRNP). Your logos and links to websites on-screen and electronic program). $500 (includes admission for 4 people) $1000 (includes admission for 6 people) $2,500 (includes admission for 12 people) Who should come? All Are Welcome — regardless of ability to pay! Faith leaders and advocates from all Religious Traditions Regional and Denominational executives and advocacy staff Participants in the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit Legislators and Legislative Staff Anyone concerned about the free exercise of religion and human rights The Press and Communicators People committed to multifaith peacebuilding Advocates working with the new congress on anti-nationalist and anti-racist laws and policy Those who desire to counter a religious nationalist agenda in the current political landscape
| | | | | | | |
|
|
