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Faith leaders unite across traditions to advocate for justice, compassion, and the vulnerable.
As the sacred season of Lent begins, over 100 national faith leaders from diverse Christian traditions have issued a powerful call to return to the teachings of Jesus in a time of deepening moral and political crisis. The Lenten letter, titled Returning to Jesus: Practicing Lent in Our Time, urges Christians across the country to reflect on their faith and respond to the pressing injustices that threaten the vulnerable in America and beyond.
“Every year during Lent, followers of Jesus remember the 40 days He spent in the wilderness resisting the temptations of worldly wealth, power, and domination,” the letter states. “This year, we celebrate Lent amidst a growing crisis driven by the political accumulation of power that threatens the rule of law, our democracy, and the people Jesus calls us to serve and protect.”
The letter, signed by clergy and faith leaders from across denominations and traditions, calls for a renewed commitment to fasting, prayer, repentance, sacrifice, and service. It highlights key moral concerns, including threats to the poor, immigrants, and those in need of medical care, and it calls for concrete action to oppose policies that deepen inequity and suffering.
Rooted in Jesus’ final teaching in Matthew 25, the signers emphasize the Christian call to stand with the poor, the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned, and the stranger.
Faith leaders call on Christians of all political persuasions to take action, urging them to contact local, state, and federal officials to oppose policies that harm the vulnerable. “For followers of Jesus, budgets are moral documents,” the letter declares, warning against disproportionate benefits to the wealthy at the expense of those in need.
Furthermore, the letter affirms the protection of sacred spaces, urging faith communities to defend their congregations as places of sanctuary for those at risk. “We reaffirm our commitment to immigrants and refugees and the protection of sensitive locations, including our worship spaces, in accordance with both our biblical imperatives and constitutional rights.”
As Holy Week approaches, the signers draw parallels between Jesus’ confrontation with imperial power and today’s challenges. “Let us be clear in proclaiming that in this hour, our ultimate loyalty is to Jesus Christ, who saves, redeems, and heals—transcending any partisan agendas.”
In a time of division, these faith leaders call for revival, renewal, and obedience to Jesus’ command to love and serve. “History teaches us that moments of crisis can spark transformation,” the letter concludes. “May this Lenten season be a time of deep repentance, renewed commitment, and courageous action.”
