Dear Friends,
The newsletter is later than usual because I just got home from Federal Plaza where about a hundred faith leaders gathered to say “No!” to federal troops in our city.
Concerned Clergy of Chicago hosted “Resist the Trump Takeover” and delivered brief but fiery speeches and prayers that made clear we are a people who trust in God for justice, not dictators. Clergy of all backgrounds—all races and genders, Muslims and Methodists, Episcopalians and Baptists, Lutherans and Jews—spoke with one voice: we want a government that shares resources that enable citizens to thrive, not a government that sends military that makes us shrink in fear.
After speeches and prayers, we linked arms, singing together (“This Little Light of Mine” is a perennial favorite) as we crossed Dearborn, stopping in the street to raise our hands in blessing over the Federal Building, asking God to make all within passionate for justice and compassion, and then we arrived at the front doors of the Federal building, where a handful of clergy planned to deliver a letter sharing our concerns and demands to the U. S. Attorney’s office.
Friends, they locked the doors to the federal building.
We kept singing and praying and walking until, finally, they unlocked one door to let our representatives in.
This is a small step, but it gave me great hope. Joining with others, raising our voices, speaking for mercy and justice: that’s what people of faith do.
Last year we talked a lot about how we could prepare for this unprecedented time: strengthen our community, focus on one or two things to do in this time, and be prepared to act swiftly when those in power overstep.
Stay connected: come and joyfully celebrate at our All In weekend September 6 and 7!
Focus one or two things you can do: At All Saints, we focus on building strength, friends, and neighborhoods through United Power and serving and protecting those who come to our Food Pantry.
Be ready for the urgent: This week there will be two “Prophetic Resistance Trainings”: one on Tuesday at Lincoln Park Presbyterian from 10 am – Noon and one at New Covenant Baptist Church on the Southside from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. You can bet your clergy will be at one of those trainings. We’d love for you to join us. You can sign up HERE.
Friends, we don’t know what comes next, but if we keep walking, keep singing, keep praying, a door will open.
See you in church!
Faithfully, Suzanne+