(RNS) — As Christians mark Lent, Muslims mark Ramadan and Jews mark Passover, leaders from numerous faith traditions are gathering each week in front of the Capitol. They are calling on Congress to show moral courage and act in the face of growing authoritarianism and devastating attacks on our democracy.
These spring vigils, “Faithful Witness Wednesdays,” provide opportunities for people of faith to speak out and stand up while too many remain silent. They are a time for conservative, progressive and mainstream religious leaders to raise a common call for all congressional leaders to follow the Constitution and their conscience above any president or party allegiance.
The resounding vigil chant directed toward Congress each week is simple: “What time is it?” asks Sojourners’ the Rev. Adam Taylor. “Time for moral courage,” we all chant back.
Chanting it can be easier than practicing it.
As each day brings a new “shock and awe” tactic from President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, our own moral courage is being tested. My spirit feels battered from the immense harm and devastation wrought over just two months. The administration’s self-proclaimed strategy of overwhelming any opposition to its agenda with a relentless onslaught of radical actions can feel like it is working.
My sister admitted to me recently that many of her friends are simply too paralyzed by fear and horror to be politically active right now. It’s understandable.
Countless lives and livelihoods are being lost by reckless, ignorant cuts to vital funding at home and abroad. Migrants are being dehumanized, identities erased and students deported. Decades of work making our country and communities safer, healthier and more educated are being destroyed by the sweep of the president’s pen and the whoosh of mass emails from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency team.
President Donald Trump speaks as he is joined by Elon Musk in the Oval Office at the White House, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
While the courts are beginning to push back, many are asking: Where is Congress? Some are standing up. But far too few of our legislators are showing the kind of moral courage their constituents and our country need from them right now. The Constitution balances federal powers across the three co-equal branches of government for a reason: to prevent the very abuses we are currently witnessing.
Court challenges to some of the worst edicts — such as trying to leverage the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport people without any due process — will, hopefully, prevail. An anticipated travel ban affecting many Muslim-majority countries should likewise be challenged. But Congress must begin acting like an independent branch representing the American people in all our diversity. This is no time to pander to a president intent on dismantling our democracy or strike a devil’s compromise for political gain. This is the time to stand up, speak out and use the powers given to Congress to prevent further abuse.
Luckily, moral courage is contagious. And we are beginning to see it spread. More judges are issuing orders to stop illegal actions. Some in Congress are beginning to speak out more often, and more openly. The State Department’s dissent channel has been used by more than 700 officials and counting. Likewise, people power is gearing up.
Last week, as I walked to the Faithful Witness Wednesday vigil, I found myself weaving through large groups converging on Capitol Hill from various directions, heading into congressional offices or setting up their own rallies. Entrance lines wrapped around sidewalks as more people than I had ever witnessed in my 30 years in Washington sought to meet their Congress members.
While the first Trump administration saw mass street protests, the strategies this time are focused on advocacy and moving Congress to do its job.
As our faith vigil started, nurses exited buses intent on saving Medicaid while music fired up a crowd at an event to protect LGBTQ+ rights. The next day, young children, families and teachers from D.C. public schools showed up with crayons and art supplies to deliver signs urging Congress not to cut their education. The energy was infectious, and it reminded me of the late Rep. John Lewis, who said: “Democracy is not a state. It is an act.”
There are countless actions we can take to uphold our democracy. Emails, letters, phone calls and visits to Congress help keep our representatives accountable. We need to encourage them to stand up, speak out and do more. Gathering with our neighbors for town halls, advocacy actions and vigils helps open space for us to build more power together. Rest, joy, humor and time with loved ones are also vital forms of resistance that will build our resilience for the journey ahead.
In the face of tyranny, every act of democratic participation is an act of moral courage, and every one of us can be a part of the change we need. So, what time is it? Time for moral courage.
(Bridget Moix is general secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation and its associated Quaker hospitality center, Friends Place on Capitol Hill. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of RNS.)