Truth and Action Roundup 11.8.24

View this email in your browser Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, a reliable source of information, inspiration, and action for the post-election period. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it. It’s Friday, three days after Election Day. We’re still processing what the result means for our country, but we know one thing — we’re not giving up the struggle for our families, freedoms, and futures in the U.S. and around the world. Today our hearts are especially heavy with the knowledge that the risks, pain, and fears caused by a second Trump administration are not evenly distributed, falling especially hard on Black women and other women of color, women’s reproductive freedoms, transgender youth, and migrant people, among others. We take heart in Vice President Harris’ reminder from her concession speech that the struggle to achieve dignity for all people is always worth it. We continue to follow the races across the country for Congress, state and local representatives, and ballot initiatives that remain uncalled as votes continue to be counted. We’re also looking at what the outgoing Biden-Harris administration needs to do in its remaining time in office on behalf of marginalized people and to protect and strengthen the health of our democracy. Finally, we want you to remember that in an anxious time such as this, as Maverick City Music sings powerfully, “It’s okay to not be okay.” – Rev. Adam Taylor and Rev. Moya Harris, Sojourners In the News Here’s what we know at the time of writing: 1) Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the election on Wednesday with a phone call to President-elect Donald Trump and a speech at Howard University. She said, “I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign ... the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people. A fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation ... That is a fight I will never give up.” President Biden pledged Thursday that he would “direct [his] entire administration [to] work with [President-elect Trump’s] team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition.” As for President-elect Trump himself, in his victory speech, he pledged to “help our country heal” and fight for “every citizen.” Despite his rhetoric and actions to the contrary, we prayerfully hope he keeps this promise. 2) As we write this, many congressional, state and local races, and ballot initiatives have not yet been called. Control of the House of Representatives will have a significant impact on how the second Trump administration governs through 2026. It’s critically important that every eligible vote is counted in every race and the winners are duly certified. You can get up-to-date information from the National Task Force on Election Crises on how that process will unfold between now and Inauguration Day. The next key date to watch is December 11, by which time all states must certify their votes. The electors for each state will then vote in accordance with their state’s results on December 17. Take Action Sign the petition for Supreme Court term limits: In his first presidency, Trump appointed over 200 federal judges, including three Supreme Court justices. Supreme Court justices in the U.S. serve for life, meaning the justices the president appoints may continue to shape federal law for decades. Check out the petition from our partners at the Brennan Center for Justice demanding Supreme Court term limits. What’s next for religious freedom? Our partners at Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Summit for Religious Freedom are hosting a panel discussion on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET to talk about the election results and what they mean for church state separation, inclusive religious freedom, and democracy. Registration is free and open to all. Deep Breaths Are you still breathing? Let me ask it this way: Are you breathing deeply? Remember, when we are stressed, we tend to hold our breath, which increases the stress response within. Breathing has so many benefits. With breath comes life. Keep breathing amid the range of emotions you are experiencing. We will get through this together. Move through this moment, remembering God is always with us, just as God has promised. In times like this, it is helpful to return to our spiritual practices that have sustained us — prayer, meditation, silence, music, dance, writing, solitude, affirmation. As I mentioned before, we will get through this. Scripture reminds us of this — though I walk through the shadow, when you pass through the waters, the rivers, and the fire — God is with us and gives us strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow … The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24 NRVSUE Lamentations 3:22-24 speaks of finding hope in the Lord despite the Israelites experiencing great sorrow and destruction. Lament is an essential aspect of our faith that makes room for hope to continue to spring forth. It is a mode of expression of grief, sorrow, anger, and fear while remaining faithful to the God of creation and justice. Lamentation reminds us not to rush through the pain and instead allows God to meet us in the midst of anger, fear, frustration, and pain. The hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” written by Thomas O. Chisholm is inspired by Lamentations 3. We invite you to read through and meditate on the lyrics. A powerful version sung by Donnie McClurkin can be heard here. — Rev. Moya Harris, Director of Racial Justice, Sojourners The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff: President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Director of Racial Justice: Rev. Moya Harris Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson Senior Adviser and Director to the President's Office: Elizabeth Denlinger Reaves Director of Campaigns and Mobilizing: Sandy Ovalle Martínez Director of Congregational Outreach & Education: Rev. Andrea Saccoccio Digital Communications Associate: Lexi Schnaser Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims Donate Subscribe

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