| | Today is Friday, Jan. 17, three days before Inauguration Day. In today’s Truth and Action Roundup, we report on a last-minute snag in the ceasefire deal between the Israeli government and Hamas, cover President Joe Biden’s farewell address, and provide a roundup of some of this week’s confirmation hearings for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet. We also provide a guide to practical actions you can take to defend democracy under the new administration, as well as a final reminder about a Martin Luther King Jr. Day justice gathering. Finally, we offer our “Deep Breaths” spiritual resources to equip you for the days ahead. This is the last TARU before Monday’s presidential inauguration. TARU will return next week on Tuesday and Friday to report on the inauguration, provide spiritual grounding, and talk about what comes next. Follow us at sojo.net for coverage over the long weekend. — Rev. Adam Taylor and Rev. Moya Harris, Sojourners | | |
| | Here’s what we know at the time of writing:
1) Wednesday’s news of a ceasefire and hostage deal between the Israeli government and Hamas may have been premature. Yesterday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the Israeli cabinet’s vote to formally approve a final deal and accused Hamas of “reneging” on parts of the agreement, creating a “last-minute crisis.” Hamas’ leadership said it is committed to the agreement announced on Wednesday, with neither party providing any further details at the time of writing.
2) Biden delivered a farewell address on Wednesday in which he warned of a rising oligarchy and “tech-industrial complex” that pose a threat to American democracy, likening them to the robber barons of the 19th century. He did not mention Trump by name but did call for amending the Constitution “to make clear that no president…is immune from crimes,” a clear reference to Trump.
3) The U.S. Senate held confirmation hearings Wednesday for Pam Bondi, Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Marco Rubio, his nominee for secretary of state, John Ratcliffe, his nominee for CIA director, and more. Hearings continued Thursday for Trump’s nominees to lead departments such as Treasury, Interior, and Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency. Bondi sidestepped a range of questions in her hearing about whether she believed Biden legitimately won the 2020 election, whether she would prosecute specific Trump adversaries such as Jack Smith or Liz Cheney, or whether she would advise the president to pardon Jan. 6 rioters, while also claiming that the Justice Department would not have an “enemies list” on her watch. | | |
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| | Learn about practical actions you can take to protect democracy. This free guide from Quinn Raymond of VoteShield provides 29 different actions you can take under the new Trump administration to defend democracy and justice for all. These “real, concrete actions you can start taking right away…offer not only knowledge, relief, and power — but also joy, fun, and community.” Read the guide here.
“For Such a Time as This” Gathering: On Jan. 20, the second inauguration of Trump coincides with the commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy — a pivotal moment for people of faith and our moral conviction to stand for justice. Join us online or in Memphis, Tenn., for For Such a Time as This, a gathering of faith leaders, community advocates, and allies committed to justice, equity, and love. Co-sponsored by Sojourners, this event, inspired by Dr. King’s prophetic vision, is a declaration of hope and a moral response to divisive forces. Engage in prophetic listening and an interfaith worship service and meeting in person or virtually. Click here to register.
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| | Deep BreathsAs we draw closer to the unknown realities of the days ahead, we give thanks for this truth: we are yet breathing. As the hymn reminds us, "we are yet alive and see each other’s face." In a time filled with uncertainty, we may not know what is to come, but we can stand firm in the grace and justice of our God. Living in uncertain times requires faith — not blind faith in the systems of this world, but a trust in the One who was, is, and is yet to come. It requires courage to face what we do not yet understand and a commitment to stand with those whose lives are most vulnerable to change. As we prepare for the days ahead, may we remember that God’s presence is steady, even when our path feels unsteady. May we find strength in the promise that though we do not know the future, we are held by the One who does. How great is our God! And in this truth, let us continue to breathe, to hope, and to work for justice. Amen. — 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
Senior Director of Campaigns and Mobilizing: Sandy Ovalle MartÃnez
Director of Congregational Outreach & Education: Rev. Andrea Saccoccio
Digital Communications Associate: Lexi Schnaser
Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims | | |
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