Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, your reliable weekly source of information, inspiration, and opportunities for action during the second Trump administration.  Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it.

From the beginning of the second Trump administration, officials have asserted that Trump’s election victory was proof of a broad mandate to refashion the country as he sees fit. What we have seen in every effort to push back on his administration’s policies, from lawsuits to mutual aid efforts, has shown us that this isn’t true. With the escalation in rhetoric from the administration and the recent consideration of invoking the Insurrection Act, we are seeing an effort to silence dissent, which has so far worked to galvanize people into action.

Faith leaders, in particular, have been instrumental. As federal workers navigate a painful government shutdown, pastors are opening their doors to offer resources and spiritual spiritual support. This care and concern for the most vulnerable among us is a testament not only to the expansive vision of ministry but also a message to our communities that we will not abandon anyone in this moment of crisis. This powerful example is necessary for leaders and institutions targeted by the administration, as it provides them with signs of hope and reassurance that they will not be alone in their defense.

With every moment of collective action, with every protest and food drive, we are building a counternarrative to the cruelty targeting our beloved community. As we contemplate what our faith calls us to do in this moment, it is important to remember we are in this work with millions of people who refuse to abandon their neighbor.

- Rev. Moya Harris and Chad Stanton, Sojourners

P.S. We are heartened by the news of a potential cease-fire in Gaza. We pray for a lasting and durable end to violence and a path toward a just and necessary peace.

In the News

Here’s a look at what happened this week:

The Federal Government is bolstering its partnerships with big tech companies and continuing its overreach into history:

Apple has removed the app DeIcer, which helped thousands of people log immigration enforcement activity, citing that the app violates its anti-hate speech policy, stating “its purpose is to provide location information about law enforcement officers that can be used to harm such officers individually or as a group...” as the reason for its removal.
The Department of Justice has continued its targeting of Donald Trump’s political enemies, with New York Attorney General Letitia James being indicted in Virginia.
As a part of Trump’s attempts to alter the perception of US history, he has ordered the reinstatement of a statue of Confederate General Albert Pike in Washington, DC, five years after it was torn down during racial justice protests.
ICE is continuing its online surveillance by creating a plan that hires contractors and utilizes artificial intelligence to create intel on leads for law enforcement raids. Additionally, these plans continue to bolster social media monitoring for “negative sentiment” and individuals who may display a “proclivity for violence”.

The government shutdown and national occupations throughout major cities continue:

The Trump administration has assured recipients of nutrition aid that, despite the government shutdown and dwindling funds, additional funds will become available from tariff revenue, but there has been no information about the amount or when funds will be sent.
Following the district court's temporary blocking of National Guard deployment in Portland, aggression against protesters using federal tactics escalated as a final ruling is awaited.
Faith leaders from across traditions are using their platforms to engage and encourage communities, as well as urging politicians to end the uncertainty looming in the government shutdown.

Significant developments occurred within Gaza regarding the Flotilla and a cease-fire agreement:

On Monday, all crew members of the Global Sumud Flotilla were deported from Israel, many reporting that their detainment was abusive and that they were beaten and deprived of sleep and medication.
Two years after the events of October 7th, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire. Following the agreement, arrangements are being made for the release of approximately 2,000 captive Palestinians and all Israeli hostages.

Take Action

On October 14th we will be hosting an Engage and Adapt webinar.
On October 18th, there will be another nationwide No Kings Day protest. SojoAction is supporting as an organizational sponsor.

What We’re Reading

“How ‘Reconstruction’ Changed Lecrae’s View of Christianity” | “Do not forsake the fellowship,” we’re not talking about this Sunday gathering. We’re talking about connectivity with other believers who are a part of your community.” (By Mitchell Atencio)

“Taylor Cassidy Shows The Fun Side of Black History” | When looking at Black history, the church and religion have been extremely valuable tools in maintaining faith and perseverance. (By Josiah R. Daniels)

“A Simple Guide to Doing Theology During A Shutdown”|Sure, shutdowns highlight the way our government is broken, yes, but they also incubate outbursts of public pressure. (By Betsy Shirley)

Deep Breaths 

A Pen and a Lesson

The other day, I was walking from the metro station to work. I passed a woman sitting in front of the station, surrounded by several bags. I had my AirPods in and my music turned up. She said something to me, but I couldn’t hear clearly. I told her I had given my last bit of cash the other day.

She looked me in the eye and said softly, “I never ask people for money. I was asking if you had a pen.”

I froze. My heart sank. I had assumed—one that revealed more about me than about her. I advocate for people on the margins every day, yet in that moment, I failed to see the person right in front of me.

All day, I couldn’t shake it. I kept hoping I’d see her again so I could apologize. On my way home, I did. She was still there, still writing. I stopped and told her I had been hoping to see her again. I said I was sorry.

She nodded. “People make assumptions all the time,” she said. “I’m between homes, but I’m writing my story.”

She had what she needed—a pen and her own voice. I noticed she was sitting near Union Station, where the National Guard still patrols. Others experiencing homelessness had been pushed away weeks before. But she remained, writing.

That moment has stayed with me. It reminded me that advocacy isn’t just about policies, programs, or protests. It’s about presence. About slowing down enough to see people, to look into their faces and recognize the sacred there.

We can spend our days fighting for justice, yet still overlook the very people we claim to love. May we remember to listen, to see, and to honor the divine spark in every person we meet.

Rev. Moya Harris, Senior Director of Programs, Sojourners

The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff:

President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor
Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson
Digital Content and Community Specialist: Kassandra Tapia
Chief Program and Impact Officer: Bryan Epps
Political Director: Chad V. Stanton
Senior Program Director: Rev. Moya Harris
Digital Education and Outreach Specialist: Cortnie Brooks
Policy and Action Assistant: Trinity Williams
Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims

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