Standing Against the Tide: Congregations as Firewalls for Justice

by: Rev. Cameron Trimble

The United States is at a crossroads. We are watching the slow but steady rise of authoritarianism, where democratic norms are eroding, and the most vulnerable among us are increasingly at risk. The attacks on immigrants, the rollback of LGBTQ protections, the suppression of voting rights, and the disregard for the rule of law are not isolated events—they are part of a larger, dangerous shift toward a government that consolidates power by undermining justice and stoking fear.

In times like these, congregations must serve as firewalls against injustice, standing in the gap where political institutions fail. The role of faith communities has always been to bear witness to truth, to protect the vulnerable, and to model an alternative way of living—one marked by courage, compassion, and kindness. Following the ways of Jesus means refusing to be silent when oppression takes root and taking tangible action to care for those who are most at risk.

This is not just a political issue but a moral and spiritual one. Scripture is clear about our calling:

• “Do not oppress the foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9)
• “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” (Proverbs 31:8)
• “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

If we take these words seriously, then our faith must be visible in action. Now is the time for congregations to step into their prophetic role—not just through words, but through deliberate, strategic resistance to injustice.

Immediate Steps Congregations Must Take

1. Protect Immigrants and Refugees
   • The game around protecting immigrants has changed. Churches are no longer immune to ICE raids. Click here for resources to understand your rights and tools to protect these vulnerable people. 
   • Partner with organizations providing legal aid and emergency housing for asylum seekers. 
2. Defend the LGBTQ Community
   • Speak out against policies that strip away rights from LGBTQ individuals.
   • Create explicitly welcoming and affirming spaces in your congregation, ensuring that LGBTQ members know they are seen, loved, and valued.
3. Advocate for Voting Rights and the Rule of Law
   • Mobilize your congregation to protect free and fair elections by encouraging voter registration, resisting voter suppression, and supporting nonpartisan efforts to uphold democracy.
   • Engage in civic education within your community, helping people understand the importance of participatory democracy.
4. Be a Center of Courage and Compassion
   • Teach and preach about justice, courage, and the moral responsibility of faith communities in times of crisis.
   • Offer mental and spiritual support for those struggling with fear, grief, and uncertainty

There is so much to do; not every congregation can do everything. Convergence has created a framework to help faith communities prioritize their actions, ensuring that energy and resources are used effectively. Download it here. 

This is the moment for religious communities to reclaim their prophetic role—not as passive observers, but as active builders of a just and loving world. We must resist fear and complacency. We must refuse to let authoritarianism become the new normal.

The call is clear: Stand up. Speak out. Organize. Act. Our faith demands nothing less.