Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Top Stories

Empowering people of faith to support democracy

Searby serves as Director of Light4America working to empower people of faith to make January 6 "Faith in Democracy" day.

On January 6, 2021, some of those who stormed the U.S. Capitol wore shirts and hats and carried banners showing that their faith helped motivate them to attack American democracy. One of the first rioters to enter the Senate Chamber carried a Christian flag. Others at the Capitol that day waved Bibles and “Jesus Saves” and "Jesus is my Savior/Trump is my President” banners.


We want to flip the script on January 6. We want to make it a day of unity and peace. I am the Project Director of the Bridge Alliance partner Light4America (L4A). The Franciscan Action Network (FAN) and Light4America, supported by the Declaration for American Democracy (DFAD), are hosting the interfaith "Faith In Democracy'' vigil on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 6pm - 7pm ET. The power of people of faith as uniters, not dividers, inspires the Light4America motto: “Fight Fire with Light.” All the major religions use light as a metaphor to show understanding, tolerance and peace. Our vigil will show how sacred scripture from many traditions supports these values.

The vigil will have a different tone and tenor from some of the other gatherings DFAD is supporting commemorating the January 6 attacks, with a focus on unity and hope to draw a broad audience spanning different faith traditions and political perspectives. As FAN Executive Director Michele Dunne has said, “As Franciscans, we are called to act as peacemakers and bridge-builders. January 6 continues to divide Americans and create concern about the health of our democracy as well as our ability to resolve political differences without violence.”

Sign up for The Fulcrum newsletter

Speakers and participants will pray for democracy and peace with music by Hip-artist Anthony “Wordsmith” Parker, a nonprofit leader who sings in the “Concert for the Human Family” series of the Episcopal Church. The hybrid event will be held in person on the Mall by the US Capitol and online across the country. Confirmed speakers include: Sr. Carol Zinn, Executive Director of Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR); Bishop John Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky; Rabbi Stephanie Crawley, Associate at Temple Micah; Rev. Paul Raushenbush, President & CEO Interfaith Alliance; and the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, Director of the Kairos Center and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign.

Together we can carry on the never-ending work of forming our more perfect union in America. People of all faith traditions should feel welcome at our event, including nonbelievers. We hope that this vigil with the support of DFAD and other great partners will not be the last. We see great potential for making January 6 a day of unity and peace in America, not division and violence. A day of healing, not hurt.

To register online: https://www.mobilize.us/jan6hearings/event/546043/ or register live: https://www.mobilize.us/jan6hearings/event/545952/.

Read More

Friends at table having christmas dinner, smiling
Ariel Skelley/Getty Images

Tips for fostering meaningful relationships during the holidays

It’s that time of year again — the holidays. A season when our social constructs and traditions bring us together with family and friends who may not share our worldviews. While this can be a source of joy, it can also bring anxiety and fear. Yet, in this season when many of our traditions celebrate “miracles,” there is potential for healing and transformation, provided the will is there and the circumstances are right.
Keep ReadingShow less
Person i jacket that reads "War Crimes prosecutor"

A war crimes prosecutor examines the consequences of a Russian missile attack in central Odesa, Ukraine, on Nov. 25.

Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The current status and the future of the war in Ukraine

Ukraine is in the crosshairs of politics, domestically and globally. What is the status of this war, and what does the future hold for the Ukrainian people?

On Nov. 18, the Network for Responsible Public Policy hosted a virtual discussion to answer these questions and many more about the current situation on the ground, U.S. political sentiments and challenges, Russia’s threats to the region, its cozy relationship with some American leaders and more.

Keep ReadingShow less