No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.
Rise up with us for No Kings II, 10/18
Advocacy
The Vote is Sacred Tour: Cleveland
Saturday was our first of two days spent in Cleveland. We joined Greater Cleveland Congregations for canvassing in a historically depressed turnout area of the city. We were paired up and headed out to knock on doors for meaningful relationship based conversations with local residents--not to engage in a transactional way but to build trust with folks in the community who have often lost trust in the system.
After canvassing and having lunch with our new friends, we held a press conference in front of Elizabeth Baptist Church, hosted by Pastor Richard Gibson. Speakers referred to the Greater Cleveland Congregations campaign, developed by their youth leaders, under the rubric of "Voter Virginity,' to attract first time voters. The local ABC News affiliate covered the rally, and featured an interview with the Rev. Dr. Lisa Maxine Goods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPj7Yl8qKJ4&feature=youtu.be
_Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons is the Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy at Interfaith Alliance.
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Transcript
Moral Courage in Action: Faith Communities Confront Executive Overreach
This June, the Trump administration deployed the National Guard to California following widespread protests against a series of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across the city; protesters stood in solidarity with immigrant communities and voiced opposition to mass deportation. Executive overreach under the guise of making communities “safer” threatens the freedom and safety of protesters and distorts democratic norms. In August, the administration further displayed overreach by deploying National Guard troops and quelling protests in Washington, D.C. In September, the administration announced that Portland, Oregon, would be the next city to have troops mobilized in its community. In response, faith communities, along with their partners, have not relented and are pushing back in defense of immigrant rights and the integrity of our democracy.
Interfaith Solidarity with LDS Communities
These past few weeks have been some of the hardest for our partners in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). On September 27th, LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson passed away at the age of 101. President Nelson served as the Church’s 17th president and was a leader in promoting deep partnerships during a trying time in the Church’s history, including with other faith communities. We extend our deepest condolences to members of the LDS Church and wish them comfort as they mourn the passing of such an important leader.
Interfaith Alliance Stands Against Censorship
This week, Interfaith Alliance is proud to join libraries, educators, advocates, and readers across the country in celebrating Banned Books Week 2025 (October 5–11). The theme, “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights,” reminds us that the freedom to read is a fundamental part of the freedom to think and believe.