As we begin a new year, we are preparing for a new chapter for our advocacy.
With the new Trump administration just weeks away, the 119th Congress is officially underway with new members being sworn in beginning today.
As we look to challenging work ahead, we are also taking a moment to reflect on the pain and progress of the past year.
Despite injustices at home and conflict and suffering aboard, “the work of building a more just, peaceful and resilient world persisted,” FCNL’s Bridget Moix wrote in her latest column for RNS.
From notable progress and growing momentum in the historic movement to end U.S. complicity in the humanitarian disaster in Gaza to passing the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act (S. 1723) through the Senate, our community stepped up and played a crucial role.
“These small but important steps forward do not generate the headlines and attention that war and other tragedies often do,” Bridget wrote. “But they are certainly worth celebrating as we reflect on all that has happened this year.” We are deeply grateful to all of you who helped make them happen.
As we face the challenges ahead, Bridget reminded us of the enduring wisdom of FCNL’s founding leader, E. Raymond Wilson: “We ought to be willing to work for causes which will not be won now, but cannot be won in the future unless the goals are staked out now and worked for energetically over time.”
In this new year, we are called to continue this generational work toward a world free from war, a society with equity and justice for all, a community where every person’s potential may be fulfilled, and an earth restored.
In active solidarity with partner organizations and impacted communities, we will work tirelessly to pursue our legislative priorities, protect democracy, and oppose all forms of racism, discrimination, and oppression.
“Let us carry on with persistence, faith and hope, continuing the work to which we have been called — of trying what love can do to mend a broken world,” Bridget wrote.
“If not us, then who?”
Elsewhere
Guantanamo Transfers Point Way Forward to Close Prison
Four detainees were recently transferred from the prison at Guantanamo Bay, leaving 26 remaining. Advocates have been pushing President Joe Biden to close Guantanamo, with even the former head of the prison calling it “anathema to everything we represent.” While substantial hurdles remain to final closure, every step in the right direction should be celebrated.
President Biden Commutes Nearly All Federal Death Penalty Cases
President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row to life without parole. FCNL applauds this action. The death penalty must be abolished. It denies that of God in everyone, cuts off the possibility of redemption, and should not be a part of a criminal justice system afflicted with bias and error. We hope that states will follow President Biden’s leadership and end this unjust practice.
Israeli Airstrikes in Yemen
Israel launched new rounds of airstrikes across Yemen in recent weeks, including on Hodeida, where 70% of the humanitarian aid to Yemen flows. These are in retaliation for Houthi attacks on Israel and international shipping, which were sparked by Israel’s war on Gaza.
As FCNL’s Hassan El-Tayyab pointed out in an interview with TRT, these strikes are part of a pattern of Israel using U.S. weapons to attack civilians and civilian infrastructure. “There is no military solution to this crisis,” he said. Without a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, continued violence will only deepen the suffering everywhere and escalate the conflict across the Middle East.
Faith in Democracy Prayer Vigil
This Sunday, January 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET, FCNL will join with a broad interfaith coalition in Washington, D.C. to pray for democracy, peace, and unity as our newly elected officials take office. Join us, online or in person for the 2025 Faith in Democracy prayer vigil!
