LIVESTREAM:

From Fear to Courage, From the Upper Room to the Streets

Before Pentecost, Jesus' disciples hid in fear. After Pentecost, filled with the Holy Spirit, they boldly stepped into the streets for public witness. Today, people of faith are called to do the same.

Amid growing fear in our nation—fueled by a political climate that threatens truth-tellers and targets the vulnerable— we are called to proclaim the truth that sets us free. Congress is debating a proposed budget that turns biblical values upside down by rewarding the wealthiest Americans with tax cuts while brutalizing  the most vulnerable with massive cuts to clear social needs. The moment demands a visible, moral witness grounded in faith and justice.

What

A public procession and vigil led by clergy and congregants, religious and lay leaders at the U.S. Capitol before a key Senate vote on a reconciliation package that threatens to slash care for the sick, in Medicaid, and feeding the hungry, in SNAP: and other vital social programs that support and uplift vulnerable people among us. 

Speakers Include:

Rev. Jim Wallis, Center on Faith and Justice

Rev. Adam Taylor, Sojourners

Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, National African American Clergy Network

Rev. Mia McClain, Riverside Baptist Church

Rev. Sharon Prestemon, United Church of Christ

Rev. Dr. Keith Byrd, Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Carlos Malave, Latino Christian National Network

Jeanné Lewis, Faith in Public Life

Sister Patricia Chappell, Sisters of Notre Dame deNamur, National Black Sisters Conference

Bishop Dwayne Royster, Faith in Action

Rev. Dr. Christopher Zacharius, AME Zion Church

Joan Neal, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice

Elizabeth Chun Hye (Liz) Lee, United Women in Faith

Rev. Paul Raushenbush, Interfaith Alliance

Rev. Dr.  Shannon Fleck, Faithful America

Rev. Starsky Wilson, Children’s Defense Fund

Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert, Dean of the Howard University School of Divinity

Rev. Terri Hord Owens,  Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Rev. Dr. Mark Whitlock, African Methodist Episcopal Church

Bishop Julius Trimble, General Board of Church and Society, UMC

Bishop Mariann Budde, Episcopal Diocese of Washington

When

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Vigil at Upper Senate Park (200 New Jersey Ave NW)
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Procession to the Senate Steps
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Public Witness at Senate Steps (songs, scripture, prayer)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch break and informal gathering
2:30 PM onward: Senate office meetings for registered participants
Possible debrief following meetings

Where

Gathering & Vigil: Upper Senate Park (200 New Jersey Ave NW)
Procession Route: From Upper Senate Park to the East Front Senate Steps
Public Witness: Senate Steps, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC

Senate Meetings: Senate Office Buildings

Who

Clergy and people of faith from across our Christian traditions and others moved by moral conscience. We will come in robes, collars, and religious garb, singing, praying, testifying, story telling, reading Scripture verses about people experiencing poverty in the Bible and standing for justice–and a moral budget.

Why

Because people who are hungry, thirsty, immigrant, naked, sick, and imprisoned—the very people Jesus calls us to protect—are under real and dire threat. “As you have done it to them, you have done it to me.” This is a test both of our faith and our democracy.

How

We will:

• Preach and invite participation in our congregations on Pentecost Sunday, June 8

• Mobilize to Washington, DC, for the June 10 action

• Participate in the public procession, vigil, and Capitol Hill witness

• Join scheduled Senate meetings to advocate for a moral budget

• Report back to our congregations and communities the following Sunday

• Carry the spirit and courage of Pentecost into continued local action

Attire:

• Clergy: Robes, collars, stoles, or religious garb 

• Signs, banners, etc. welcome

• Comfortable shoes recommended

• Please plan for the weather (umbrellas, jackets, sun screen, water bottle, etc.)

WEATHER

This is a rain or shine event.

In case of severe weather, check your email or text alerts from the organizing team by 7:00 AM for any relocation or adjustments.

PARKING & TRANSPORT

Metro recommended: Capitol South (Orange/Blue/Silver) or Union Station (Red Line)
Street parking is extremely limited; rideshare drop-offs should go to Upper Senate Park

RESTROOMS

Senate Office Buildings (must go through security)

United Methodist Building (100 Maryland Ave NE) 

MAPS:

Register Here:

PARTNERS: