One could argue that the first time Christians protested was the early church’s refusal to worship Roman gods and its subsequent persecution. In a story that has captured the imagination of generations of Christians, St. Lawrence, a third-century deacon, was…
Why Christian clergy see risk as part of their moral calling
As Christian clergy across the United States participate in ongoing protests against harsh immigration enforcement actions and further funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, many are still pondering the words of Rob Hirschfeld. On Jan. 18, 2026, Hirschfeld, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New…
Rev. James Martin on Our Moral Duty in Turbulent Times
For many Americans, the events in Minneapolis and the upheaval across the country bring to the surface not just political dilemmas but moral and spiritual ones too.
How might we do justice and love kindness in times like these?
I have been a Christian, a follower of Jesus, my whole life. I was a church kid, one who participated in every activity and wore WWJD bracelets and sang along with the praise band at every youth gathering, confident in…
This was worse than them calling me a ‘murderer’
I live and serve as a pastor in Moscow, Idaho, a town that is home to one of the largest and loudest Christian nationalist groups in the country right now. However, despite what you hear on the news, my town…
CBF pastor among 50 arrested in DC sit-in
A Cooperative Baptist Fellowship pastor was among about 50 clergy arrested at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., Jan. 29. Wayne Weathers, pastor of Vision of Hope Baptist Church in Sicklerville, N.J., was among a group of faith…
Moral courage in a time of crisis
The author delivered the following comments at “Together for Democracy” in Washington, D.C., Thursday, Jan. 29. Today is day 59 of the federal occupation of my hometown of Minneapolis. I’ve experienced 58 of those days. And let me tell…
Faith, silence and protest in Union Square
Last Friday, I joined what was estimated at 4,000 people in Union Square in New York City. We gathered to protest the murder of Renée Good and the detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos. But the purpose of the march…
If not now, then when, America?
The words of Tracy Chapman’s iconic song have been ringing in my head since the unjustified murder of Renee Good and now the senseless murder of Alex Pretti by federal agents. If not now then when? If not today then…
Why an open letter still matters
In April 2023, Baptist Women in Ministry shared an Open Letter to Baptist Women in response to an increase in actions against Baptist women who minister, lead and serve as pastors, specifically within the Southern Baptist Convention. In a recent…
On the ground in Minneapolis: It’s an occupation
They go by call signs like “Mr. Grinch,” “Ratatouille” and “Cold Toes.” They work within pods to patrol their neighborhoods by car, on foot and on bicycle. They sign up for shifts and have protocols for how to document ICE’s…
Three arrested in Cities Church protest
Federal authorities have arrested at least three people in connection with an anti-immigration enforcement protest at a Southern Baptist Church in Minnesota Jan. 18, federal officials said. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced FBI and Department of Homeland Security agents…