Truth and Action Roundup 8.08.25

View this email in your browser Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, a reliable weekly source of information, inspiration, and action for the second Trump administration. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it. This week, we marked the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This milestone brought about an era of expanded voting rights based on the principle of one person, one vote. This principle reflects our faith in honoring the image of God in every individual. However, with the expansion of the franchise, we also see energized and innovative efforts to prevent people from fully participating in democracy.  These efforts are most clearly seen today in the current fight to gerrymander the state of Texas at Trump’s request. This naked power grab has ignited a national debate, which at its heart is a question of who deserves to be seen and recognized in our nation. This question lies at the core of our faith communities and those of our neighbors. With Trump’s mass deportation efforts, refusal to listen to calls to end conflict, and blatant defiance of the Constitution, we are being told to turn a blind eye to the humanity of the marginalized and oppressed. It is our duty as Christians to continue acting in the name of the vulnerable.  — Rev. Moya Harris and Chad Stanton, Sojourners  In the News Here’s a look at what happened this week: 1) In Gaza, we continue to see the results of Israel’s policy of starvation, which has sparked an energized international reaction: This has drawn increased attention to U.S. companies partnering with Israel, with reports of the IDF using Microsoft’s Azure to conduct surveillance on Palestinians and conduct target strikes. We’ve also seen the Trump Administration threaten to link emergency funding to support for commercial relations with Israeli companies before reversing their stance. Doctors Without Borders has declared that the GHF operation is not an aid program but an ‘orchestrated killing’. 2) Throughout the country, we are witnessing the fallout from Trump’s mass deportation agenda: Church leaders are dealing with the fallout and rethinking their ministry in light of at least ten raids being conducted on church properties. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s office has found at least 510 instances of abuse in immigration detention centers throughout the United States. We’re also seeing the Trump Administration target a lawyer for sanctions after they accepted an immigration case pro bono. We’re also seeing detention facilities constructed with images from Ft Bliss in El Paso being revealed. 3) We continue to see the fallout from the efforts to undermine democracy and civic society: Texas Democrats who have left the state in response to an effort to strip the power of their voters have had arrest warrants issued for them in the state of Texas. Sen. John Cornyn is also threatening to send the FBI after the lawmakers. Catholic Charities is being forced to shutter its AmeriCorps Seniors Service after cuts to funding as a result of Trump’s policies. The Department of Health and Human Services is canceling funding for mRNA research, which has been a promising avenue for cancer treatment. Take Action We’re continuing to call on the Trump Administration to take every possible action to end the starvation and occupation in Gaza. Disappeared in America is hosting resources to train people to talk to their sheriffs about immigration policy and ICE agreements hosted here. What We’re Reading “This Is What Democracy Sings Like” | ...gospel music that informed the Civil Rights music, we’re very indebted to those singers in that lineage. (By Betsy Shirley) “Palestinian and Jewish liberation are interconnected.” | The only moral and sustainable pathway toward peace will be one founded on systemic justice, equity, and shared humanity... (By David Katibah) “Lord, When Did We See You Thirsty In Gaza?” | Israel has turned God’s most essential provision into a weapon. (By Mae Elise Cannon and Ben Norquist) Deep Breaths  For the Fixers I’m a fixer. When someone brings a problem, my mind goes straight to solutions. It drives my family a little wild— Sometimes, they just want to vent. They’re not asking for answers, just space to feel. When I’m intentional, I remember to pause: “Do you want help finding a solution, or do you need a sounding board?” That question changes everything. But sitting with what is—especially when it's broken—is hard. That’s where I find myself these days. The headlines are heavy. The pain is persistent. And no matter how much advocacy work I do, the flood of bad news keeps coming. That’s part of the strategy, you know— to exhaust us, discourage us, make us believe the fight is already lost. So, if you’re a fixer too, you might need tools that help you release the illusion of control. Now is a good time to return to mindfulness. Mindful.org defines mindfulness as “being fully present and aware of your experiences— senses, thoughts, and emotions— without being overly reactive or judgmental.” So take a breath. Slow your thoughts. Release the urge to solve. Just be—right here, right now. And if you’re able, take a few moments to join in this Meditation to Be at Peace With How Things Are. — Rev. Moya Harris, Senior Program Director, Sojourners The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff: President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson Digital Content and Community Specialist: Kassandra Tapia Chief Program and Impact Officer: Bryan Epps Political Director: Chad V. Stanton Senior Program Director: Rev. Moya Harris Digital Education and Outreach Specialist: Cortnie Brooks Mobilizing and Policy Assistant: Miriam Tellez Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims Copyright © 2025 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842