Bishop William J. Barber II is gearing up for a significant "Moral Monday" event outside the United States Supreme Court next month, following his recent arrest during a protest in the Capitol Rotunda. This gathering, scheduled for June 2, aims to rally individuals of conscience against proposed federal budget cuts that threaten vital welfare programs.
Barber, who serves as the co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign and president of Repairers of the Breach, made the announcement on social media, inviting "all people of good will, especially those impacted by the immoral cuts to the federal budget," to join the movement. He emphasized the need for a moral response rather than a mere partisan one, calling for unity among those who care about the well-being of all citizens.
The event has garnered support from several progressive Mainline Protestant denominations, including the Disciples of Christ, the United Church of Christ, and the Presbyterian Church (USA). Additionally, organizations such as the National Council of Churches, Sojourners, and the National Urban League have pledged their backing for this important cause.
This call to action follows Barber’s arrest alongside fellow activists, including preacher Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and St. Francis Springs Prayer Center Director Steve Swayne, during an unauthorized demonstration in the Capitol Rotunda. The group had gathered to pray in protest of the proposed budget, which they argue would inflict severe cuts on essential federal programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP, jeopardizing the welfare of millions of Americans.
Capitol Police intervened shortly after the prayer began, citing regulations against demonstrations within Congressional buildings. Despite the arrests, Barber and his colleagues expressed their gratitude to law enforcement for their service, while reiterating their commitment to advocating for those affected by the budget cuts. "We came to the Capitol Rotunda to pray for representatives who currently support this immoral budget to see the danger of policy that kills and choose life," they stated in a joint blog post.
Barber, a prominent figure in social justice movements, first gained national recognition in 2013 for his "Moral Monday" protests in North Carolina, which addressed various policy issues affecting marginalized communities. His organization has previously hosted significant events, including the "Moral Action Congress" in 2019, which featured speeches from major Democratic presidential candidates.
As the June 2 event approaches, the Poor People’s Campaign is mobilizing supporters to advocate for policies that uplift the most vulnerable in society. In their call for action, Barber and his team remind us that moral movements require collective engagement and a commitment to justice. They aim to embody the spirit of their faith, believing that "justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
For those interested in joining this movement, further details about the "Moral Mondays in DC" gathering can be found on the Poor People’s Campaign’s official website. As the nation continues to grapple with pressing social issues, the call for a moral revival resonates more than ever, urging individuals to stand up for justice and compassion in their communities.