Over 23 hours, dozens of activists of diverse faith backgrounds gathered together on the Capitol Lawn to protest health care reform that would endanger the equity, dignity, and welfare of millions.

The vigil was organized by the Interfaith Healthcare Coalition, a group of faith-based lobbying organizations, and was set for 23 hours to raise awareness for the 23 million who would be left without insurance should reform pass through the Senate.

Kicking Off

The opening ceremony for the vigil was marked by a list of notable figures in the faith-based advocacy community, with representation from NETWORK, Bread for the World, Bend the Arc, the African-American Clergy Network, and various other organizations.

Quakers Gather Together

Gabrielle Savory testifies for Medicaid at the vigil
FCNL’s segment of the vigil, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., featured a moving testimony from constituent Gabrielle Savory. After a health crisis, Gabrielle faced financial and medical distress, and spoke passionately about how health care reform could jeopardize millions of those in need.

Representatives from the William Penn House shared how affordable health insurance for employees was endangered by reform. For the duration of FCNL’s time, Quakers from across the country gave powerful testimony to the importance of accessible, high-quality healthcare.

Grateful to have our neighbors, William Penn House, here sharing their work. #SaveMedicaid

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Putting a face to statistics: Sharing powerful health care stories. #Faith4Medicaid

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The moon is out and we are still going strong. #Faith4Medicaid #SaveMedicaid

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Executive Secretary Diane Randall spoke about the importance of preserving Medicaid expansion.

A Long Night

As the sun set on Capitol Hill, a dedicated group of advocates spent the night on the lawn to share their stories, pray, sing, and support one another.

An especially cold night couldn’t dissuade an especially dedicated group of advocates from staying. The group shared words of comfort and confidence, and supporters brought food, water, coffee, and blankets. As the clock approached 3 a.m., UMC Church & Society led the group in worship.

Congress Shows Support

By the time the sun rose, the vigil had garnered the attention of several senators and representatives. Virginia senator Tim Kaine appeared at morning mass to lead the vigil in prayer.

Later on, Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon gave the advocates words of encouragement.

Cory Booker speaking
New Jersey senator Cory Booker came to the vigil to spend time with his constituent Gabrielle, who had invited him to attend. Afterwards, Senator Booker imparted his own views on health care reform, and emboldened attendees to continue to take action.

Closing Strong

The vigil’s closing ceremony drew dozens of supporters. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi quoted St. Francis in a brief speech denouncing the potential reforms.

Rev. William Barber of Repairers for the Breach attended the closing ceremony and reminded the audience of the power of speaking out against injustice.

Rev. Barber speaks

Looking Ahead

Later that afternoon, Senator Booker solidified his support by tweeting out a picture of the official FCNL button. We are thankful for his support of FCNL and his continuing work to protect those in need.

The vigil may be over, but our work to protect health care it just beginning. Even if you did not attend the vigil, you can a be part of the movement to stop reform. Please contact your senators and ask them to vote no on any legislation that caps Medicaid or prevents Medicaid expansion.

For a full recap of vigil proceedings, visit the Faith in Public Life resource.

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Lindsay Bencick Headshot 2024

Lindsay Bencick
(she/her)

Governance, Community, and Culture Administrative Assistant

Lindsay Bencick joined FCNL in October 2023 as the Governance, Community, and Culture team’s administrative assistant.

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