Action Alert: Protect No Cash Bail and Criminal Justice Reform

Act Now

The US House of Representatives has passed two harmful bills: H.R. 5214, the District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025, and H.R. 5107, which would dismantle the District’s 2022 police accountability reforms. The bills now move to the Senate for further consideration by Congress. While presented as public safety measures, these proposals would in fact undermine D.C.’s right to self-govern, disproportionately harm Black, poor, and marginalized communities, and weaken democratic principles the Presbyterian Church (USA) has long upheld. Restoring cash bail would place a price on human liberty, and rolling back the district’s transparency measures, such as body-worn camera requirements and limits on masked officers, would erode essential public accountability. Together, these bills represent yet another instance of federal interference that undermines D.C.’s autonomy and reverses local efforts to build a more just, equitable, and transparent community. For decades, the PC(USA) has spoken clearly and consistently about the moral urgency of criminal justice reform. Our General Assembly has condemned cash bail as a system that effectively criminalizes poverty, traps people in cycles of debt and detention, and denies the poor equal access to justice. According to Presbyterian News Agency, “The PC(USA) has a long history of advocating for alternatives to incarceration. The General Assembly of 1910 and 1915 issued statements calling for the criminal justice system to adopt a restorative approach to justice. The General Assembly of 1984 also took up the issue, urging all synods, presbyteries and sessions to study and advocate for alternatives at every level of government. In 2003, the General Assembly spoke strongly against for-profit prisons, saying that there are some things in a humane society that should not be for sale.”  PC(USA) Social Witness policy teaches that God calls the church to stand with those who are oppressed and to resist systems that prioritize punishment over repair. At the  General Assembly of 2018 in St. Louis, MI, hundreds of Presbyterians marched calling for the elimination of cash bail. In partnership with the Bail Project and the St. Louis Action Council, the Stated Clerk, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, presented a check for over $47,000 to the detention center to bail out people charged with misdemeanors who had been prescreened for release. The following year, a similar march occurred as staff and local Presbyterians marched in downtown Louisville to protest the injustices of cash bail. H.R. 5214 directly contradicts this long-standing denominational witness by reinstating a punitive system that treats freedom as a commodity rather than a God-given dignity. Likewise, H.R. 5107 seeks to undo police accountability measures designed to protect communities that have endured generations of racial inequity, state violence, and over-policing concerns. We cannot turn away in this moment. Now is the time to raise our collective moral voice. Join with faith leaders across the nation to tell Congress to oppose H.R. 5214 and H.R. 5107. Together, our moral witness must urge the Senate to reject the use of D.C. as a testing ground for punitive policy experiments and to uphold the District’s right to self-govern and protect the well-being of its residents. As people called to seek God’s justice, we cannot support or legitimize policies that inflict harm on our neighbors. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to help build a society where every person can flourish, a commitment rooted in the hope, courage, and long-standing Social Witness of the PC(USA).

Act Now

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Living into Right Relations: November 2025

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice News from The United Church of Canada Advent Unwrapped: Making Things Right  This  year’s Advent Unwrapped resources include a Longest Night service, “Making Things Right.” It invites us, as people seeking reconciliation and a more just world, to reflect on the work of reparations. You can download it (and other Advent materials) on the Advent Unwrapped page of the United Church website.  New Prayer: 10th Anniversary of the TRC Final Report   December 15th marks the 10th Anniversary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We’ve written this prayer for you to use on your own or in church on Sunday, December 14th. It is consistent with the “Advent Unwrapped” liturgy for that day.  Doctrine of Discovery Advent/Christmas Study  [Image credit: First United]   Looking for a different kind of Advent study? Lauren Sanders, the Indigenous Spiritual Care Coordinator at First United in Vancouver has put together an Advent/Christmas study session on the Doctrine of Discovery. Explore primary documents, Indigenous interpretations, and scripture one day at a time. Can be used by individuals or groups.  Looking Ahead: Women’s Memorial March, February 14  February 14 seems like a long time from now, but it will be here before we know it, and it will mark the 33rd annual Women’s Memorial March to honour and remember Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in Canada.  These marches take place across the country and involve Indigenous people and organizations, labour, and civil society groups. We would like to encourage and help organize United Church participation in existing marches. If you know of an event in your community, please share that information with Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator Sara Stratton. We’ll pull together a list of events in the new year and connect you to them!  Imagine a Canada  [Image credit: K. Buehler] The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has just launched Imagine a Canada 2026, an opportunity for students from K-12 and CEGEP “to envision a reconciled Canada and make something that reflects their vision.”  To enter, students may create artwork, write an essay, or plan a community project to promote reconciliation. Youth from select projects will be invited to participate in virtual leadership training exercises, and at the end of the school year there will be a national celebration to honour up to twelve projects from the art and essay stream and up to fifteen projects from the project stream.  For more information, please visit Imagine a Canada. Submissions are due January 23, 2026.  Is the Federal Budget Redefining Reconciliation?  Indigenous leadership has responded to the new federal budget, criticizing the level of funding for vital services, and reiterating their concerns about the sidelining of rights-holders in development and security projects.   In this APTN news post,  National Association of Friendship Centres CEO Jocelyn Formsma expressed her concern that the budget redefines reconciliation, saying  “I’m really concerned that reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is going to be contingent upon how we can demonstrate our benefit to the economy and that’s not really what reconciliation was supposed to be about.”  Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed said he was “troubled” by the Arctic focus on security and Canadian sovereignty with no reference to the role of Inuit as the original inhabitants of the land.   Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict said in a press release, “We recognize the federal government’s focus on growth and resilience, but true national strength must include equitable investments that ensure First Nations can thrive alongside all Canadians and are not left behind.”  The United Church has written to the Prime Minister sharing our priorities for the budget. These include anti-racism, reconciliation, and Indigenous rights.  Title Ruling Stokes Settler Backlash  A recent BC Supreme Court ruling on Aboriginal title has ignited claims that the Cowichan Nation is seeking to claim land held by homeowners. Such claims have long been used to create fear among non-Indigenous peoples and maintain broad opposition to Indigenous land rights, and are of concern to us as a church committed to reconciliation and anti-racism.  The land in question is now part of the city of Richmond, but was originally the Cowichan village of Tl’uqtinus, and some surrounding land. The Cowichan have argued that it should have been included in the creation of reserve lands in 1859, but was intentionally left out and purchased by the colonial Land Commissioner.  The Supreme Court agreed, ruling that Crown and city title on the land are “defective,” and infringe on Cowichan title. The province was directed to negotiate in good faith with the Cowichan Nation. Instead, the province and city have issued inflammatory statements about the threat to private property. The Cowichan Nation has made clear its position that the decision “has not and does not challenge the effectiveness or validity of any title held by individual private landowners. The ruling does not erase private property.”  Cowichan chiefs are quoted in this APTN news post as saying that the city’s and province’s “negative and erroneous messaging is provoking unnecessary fears. Their approach is inconsistent with the Court’s decision and is contrary to reconciliation.  40 Days on Anti-Racism: Being in Right Relations  [Video credit: The United Church of Canada] In this video, Samantha Miller, a young Haudenosaunee woman who is active in the Indigenous Youth Program, invites us to move beyond checklists and into the heart of what it means to be in right relations—with ourselves, with one another, and with the land.   Explore all the resources and activities for 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism  United Church Women-Healing Program Collaboration   [Image credit: Dreamstime] The United Church Women (UCW) have been actively engaged in projects and work on Indigenous justice with Healing Programs Coordinator Joni Shawana. They have raised funds, worked on reconciliation initiatives, and been intentional about learning about Indigenous healing strategies, culture, and justice. Learn more about what they have been doing, and what you can do in your own local context, in this recording of a 40 Days on Anti-Racism live event from earlier this month. Facebook Website Email Instagram YouTube Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world!

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MLP December Newsletter!

IN THIS ISSUE * Notes from the Staff * MLP Board Applications *Advent Devotional * Giving Tuesday * Upcoming Events

From our Director of Engagement

About a decade ago, I read for the first time a quote by queer poet June Jordan that stuck with me: “We are the ones we have been waiting for.” The last sentence of her 1978 Poem for South African Women summarized centuries of social movements, telling us that liberation comes from a collective we. Through my work at MLP, I have learned that, the more we cultivate that collective we, the more equipped we are to resist whatever comes at us. So we dreamed of ways to nurture the we.  Our annual Advent devotional feeds our spirits and connects us to a variety of voices within our community. The Advent season can be a hard time for many of us, and this devotional makes us feel part of a community that genuinely cares about us. The retreat that will take place in April is another tangible way to nurture the collective we. The sole purpose of this gathering is to rest and connect, knowing “we are the ones we have been waiting for.” And I know there are many questions about it, so even though we have answered them before, it is essential to repost them. When is this retreat? April 17-19, 2026 (right after Easter!) Who is this retreat for? This is a space exclusively for our LGBTQIA+ siblings and the MLP board, which will be holding its semi-annual in-person meeting before the retreat.  Where is this retreat? Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock, AR Why Ferncliff? Because the LGBTQIA+ community in Arkansas is suffering and Ferncliff has become a safe haven for our queer siblings (especially the young ones) and they need our support. Our presence in Arkansas is an act of resistance and defiance to an unjust system. Learn more about Ferncliff and the work they do to support the LGBTQIA+ community here and check out some of the programming they offer to our queer kiddos here.   What are you doing to ensure our safety? We are arranging direct transportation from the airport to Ferncliff (only 23 miles away) so no one has to use any other form of transportation.  What is the cost? Thanks to the dues of our member churches and the generosity of our individual donors, we were able to subsidize 50% of the cost for all participants, so depending on where you choose to stay (available on a first come, first served basis), the cost is $231.79 for those staying at the Brown Center or $170.17 for those staying at Williams Lodge. This price includes 2 nights lodging, 5 meals, activities, sustainability and registration fees.  How big will this be? Since we want to ensure everyone gets privacy, we can accommodate 44 participants in single-occupancy rooms.  Where can I register? You may find all instructions to register here.  Do you have scholarships? Yes! We have ten $300 scholarships available for trans and BIPOC peeps. To apply, email hello@mlp.org a screenshot of your registration and we will give them to the first ten to apply.  How can I help? Your donations and annual dues help us fund this work. Please consider giving to MLP. -Claudia

From our Director of Operations

Let us be a sign of hope Let us be your arms of love Let us be the ones that say 'There is another way.' We are waiting for you We are waiting for you We are waiting for that Gloria in Excelsis Deo Gloria in Excelsis Deo — Waiting for You, The Many I was introduced to The Many a few years ago during Advent through the song above. It was refreshing, and also alarming, to hear a Christian band sing openly about the harsh realities of our world without the fake, glossed-over, repetitive spiritual bypassing that most Christian music perpetuates.  We are waiting, AND we will not stand still. We will move, we will be the arms of love and grace. We will work, effortlessly, to repair the harm we have done, and we pray, God, that we won't repeat the mistakes we have made. We will right the wrongs that have been committed in your name, and we will speak out until our voices go hoarse.  We are waiting for the promise You made to be fulfilled, God. We are waiting for you. -Jesy    ANNOUNCEMENTS   Be sure to check your inboxes on November 30th as we open our applications for you to join the More Light Presbyterians Board of Directors!  On this #GivingTuesday, More Light Presbyterian remains committed to creating spaces where queer people are not targeted, erased, or debated—but beloved, affirmed, and defended. Spaces where the Gospel means liberation, not legislation.   Your support helps us continue this work in a year when it’s needed more than ever.  Stand with queer people. Stand with More Light. Give today and on Tuesday! The holidays can be joyful — and complicated. Join More Light Presbyterians for a supportive conversation about navigating family dynamics, setting boundaries, caring for ourselves, and showing up as a needed ally during holiday gatherings.  Register Here   UPCOMING EVENTS! December 2:  Please make a contribution to More Light Presbyterians this Giving Tuesday. December 8: More Light Mondays will address the crucial question: how can LGBTQIA+ people navigate the holidays? This week be led by your favorite MLP directors. December 24: Join us in celebrating the birthday of Jesy Littlejohn, director of operations at MLP. Send them an email at jesy@mlp.org to celebrate them! And on January 1st, congratulate us and them on another anniversary of their employment with MLP because they have been a huge gift to all of us.  January 2-5: Montreat College Conference. Join Director of Engagement, Rev. Claudia Aguilar (she/her) and board member Avery Arden (they/them) to chat, grab coffee, attend a workshop, get swag or all of the above.  January 21-24: APCE (Association of Partners in Christian Education) Conference in Pittsburgh. Join Director of Operations, Jesy Littlejohn (they/them) at the exhibit hall or for some appetizers at a time and location yet to be determined.  January 22-25: Q Conference. Join Board member Bethany Peerbolte (she/her) at the exhibit hall and grab some coffee with her.   Our collective wisdom and knowledge can take us farther than what we can do on our own. You can help us this month in a few ways: *Has your congregation paid dues this year? If not, you may submit them here.Your dues help us do this work. *Donate! We educate individuals and congregations, offer pastoral care to queer people and the ones who love them, we guide congregations as they seek to discern best steps, we advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in our denomination and in the public arena. We can’t do it without your help.  *In light of recent political developments, the number of LGBTQIA+ couples seeking to get married has increased. More Light Presbyterians is compiling a list of queer and queer-affirming clergy willing to officiate wedding ceremonies and preach at MLP congregations on short notice. Please spread the word widely within your networks. If you are in need of an officiant, please contact us at hello@mlp.org indicating your location and the date of the ceremony.  *Do you have Pride pictures? Keep them coming! Please email them to hello@mlp.org We are trying to collect a list of all former board members to create an MLP alumni group. Have you served on our board, or do you know someone who has? Fill out this form, and we will contact you in the next few months.

Contact Us: More Light Presbyterians 14301 Laurel Bowie Road Laurel, MD 20708 Website: www.mlp.org