A Call to Christians in a Time of Crisis for Faith and Democracy

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As we enter Lent, hundreds of the nation’s Christian leaders are calling on Christians across the country to speak out and take action at this time of crisis for democracy and faith. We are living under a violent, increasingly authoritarian government, and it claims to be acting in the name of Jesus.

In their open letter, these leaders commit to concrete actions, including standing with immigrants targeted by unjust policies, rejecting political violence in all forms, defending the country’s voting rights and democratic norms, and pursuing peace, truth, and justice. Citing scripture, the letter highlights Jesus’ teachings on love and peace, and rejects the use of religion to justify exclusion, racism, or domination—calling on Christians to resist the manipulation of faith for political gain.

I went to the White House on Ash Wednesday for the release of this letter. We hope that Christian leaders, clergy and lay people, will sign the letter and encourage others to do so. Two thousand people signed it in the first 24 hours. Together, we can make this Lent a time of repentance—turning around —for ourselves individually and for our nation.

Rick Steves and the Defense of American Democracy

Screenshot from The Traveler & American Democracy with Rick Steves

Rick Steves recently delivered a powerful address in defense of American democracy in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington.  We’ve all been thinking and reading about this topic a lot, but I think Rick’s speech was the strongest call to defend our democracy against MAGA that I've heard.  Part of what makes it powerful is that Rick’s life and business are focused on European travel, but he has been moved as a concerned citizen to action in defense of democracy.

My forthcoming book, Poverty Abolitionists, is about restoring progress against poverty, but that depends in part on pushing back effectively against MAGA. The second Trump administration has slashed international aid and also both health and food assistance to Americans. They have also ended government promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the federal protection of the civil rights of groups who have long suffered from discrimination. The mass deportation of immigrants has disrupted the lives of many people who came to this country to make a better life and are contributing to our communities. 

After dramatic progress against poverty in recent decades, poverty in our country and worldwide has been thrown into reverse. When Rick spoke in Edmonds, he took extra time to talk about the destruction of U.S. international aid in 2025.

Rick’s speech was paired with a speech by Shelly Bryan Wee, the Lutheran bishop of Washington. She explains that MAGA is not only an attack on our democracy, it is also a corruption of Christian faith. Bishop Bryan Wee ended her remarks with a confession of faith that our loving God will rescue us from the current attack on both faith and democracy.

The Traveler and American Democracy with Rick Steves

Understanding Christian Nationalism with Shelley Bryan Wee

The Song We Needed

Video Screenshot

Bruce Springsteen released “Streets Of Minneapolis” yesterday.  It has gone viral. 

When people are harmed and silenced, standing in public and speaking out becomes part of our moral calling. Pushing back against the abuses and false claims of the MAGA movement is part of that responsibility. This song captures that truth.

We've needed this song, and here it is—from Bruce Springsteen.

Lyrics:

Through the winter’s ice and cold

Down Nicollet Avenue

A city aflame fought fire and ice

‘Neath an occupier’s boots

King Trump’s private army from the DHS

Guns belted to their coats

Came to Minneapolis to enforce the law

Or so their story goes

Against smoke and rubber bullets

By the dawn’s early light

Citizens stood for justice

Their voices ringing through the night

And there were bloody footprints

Where mercy should have stood

And two dead left to die on snow-filled streets

Alex Pretti and Renee Good

Oh our Minneapolis, I hear your voice

Singing through the bloody mist

We’ll take our stand for this land

And the stranger in our midst

Here in our home they killed and roamed

In the winter of ’26

We’ll remember the names of those who died

On the streets of Minneapolis

Trump’s federal thugs beat up on

His face and his chest

Then we heard the gunshots

And Alex Pretti lay in the snow, dead

Their claim was self defense, sir

Just don’t believe your eyes

It’s our blood and bones

And these whistles and phones

Against Miller and Noem’s dirty lies

Oh our Minneapolis, I hear your voice

Crying through the bloody mist

We’ll remember the names of those who died

On the streets of Minneapolis

Now they say they’re here to uphold the law

But they trample on our rights

If your skin is black or brown my friend

You can be questioned or deported on sight

In chants of ICE out now

Our city’s heart and soul persists

Through broken glass and bloody tears

On the streets of Minneapolis

Oh our Minneapolis, I hear your voice

Singing through the bloody mist

Here in our home they killed and roamed

In the winter of ’26

We’ll take our stand for this land

And the stranger in our midst

We’ll remember the names of those who died

On the streets of Minneapolis

We’ll remember the names of those who died

On the streets of Minneapolis