Faithful Advocacy Takes Many Forms

By Stephen Reeves

It was a busy week in Washington.

Fellowship Southwest was honored to be one of over 40 sponsors of the Pentecost Witness for a moral budget along with Sojourners, Georgetown University Center for Faith & Justice, The Episcopal Church and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, among others.

The event consisted of a rally, prayer vigil and march to the steps of the Capitol outside the Senate. It was an excellent example of what I call “expressive advocacy.” We joined with like-minded organizations to raise a collective voice of concern for the reconciliation bill now awaiting action in the Senate. We proclaimed a faith that stands up for the vulnerable. We read scripture and prayed, lifting the plight of the marginalized – the hungry, the sick, the poor and the stranger - those most hurt by this bill. We were joined by several faithful senators who are working to amend or defeat the bill including Rev. Sen. Raphael Warnock, seminary graduate Sen. Chris Coons, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Cory Booker. 

Though it was a nonpartisan gathering that centered faith and not elections, we were largely a group standing outside the dominant power in Washington. 

Did our demonstration change any votes in the Senate? It is hard to say, but unlikely. Perhaps our words and witness will give pause to Christian senators attempting to align the goals of this legislation with their faith. 

It is not just Democrats who have concerns about this bill. Many Republicans are worried about the cost. It is estimated that the bill will add $3 Trillion to the federal debt over the next 10 years. Despite draconian cuts to so many services, they do not offset the tax cuts for the wealthy. Others, like Sen. Josh Hawley, recognize that the proposed cuts to Medicaid and the SNAP program will hit their constituents hard.

The impact of our actions may not be immediate, but the benefits of our participation go far beyond the current bill. We gathered to show solidarity with other Christians concerned about the bill. We gathered to be together. We gathered to lift each other up. We gathered to speak a collective word of truth to power. We gathered to find new partners in the work. We gathered to cling to hope together, because we need each other. At a time when solitary despair is a real temptation, it is good to be together and share our strength for the long journey.  

We also loudly proclaimed together that the culturally dominant form of evangelical Christianity does not speak for us all. Those inside the faith, and those who are not Christian, need to see a more compassionate, just and inclusive public engagement from the Church. This was an opportunity for Fellowship Southwest to practice what we preach – a public witness that is faithful, thoughtful, courageous and kind.  

I was also in DC for the Bread for the World board meeting, Advocacy Summit, and 50th Anniversary celebration. Bread for the World is an excellent example of what I call “engaged advocacy.” For five decades Bread has been one of the best Christian advocacy organizations in the country. 

The call from scripture to feed the hungry is clear and consistent. As such, Bread represents a broad swath of churches and denominations. They have a large and talented staff of policy experts, researchers, a government relations team (professional lobbyists), church outreach specialists, local community organizers, and mobilizers. Bread is committed to the slow, long-term relationship building necessary to influence legislation and urge lawmakers to consider the needs of the hungry in the U.S. and across the globe. Their work has helped to dramatically cut hunger rates at home and abroad. 

On Wednesday over 500 Bread supporters fanned out across Capitol Hill to make over 200 visits to their elected officials. I led our large Texas contingent in meetings with both Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz’ staff members. 

Did we change either of their votes on the “Big Beautiful Bill?” That is unlikely, but we made a connection with their staff, raised a clear moral argument rooted in our Christian faith, made new friends with fellow advocates, trained new young leaders, and followed God’s call to “do justice.” As my friends, Gabriel and Jannette Salguero reminded us in a commissioning sermon that morning, the arc of the universe may bend towards justice, but it is up to us to do the bending.  

We’re not called to defend the vulnerable and pursue justice when it will be most politically feasible. The call is not one of political expedience, but of faithfulness. Moreover, if we’re not engaged now, if we’re not practicing advocacy, if we’re not building relationships with lawmakers and potential partners now, we won’t be ready when the political winds of change shift.

Effective advocacy takes many forms. Choose that path that is right for you and keep at it.