SojoMail - What Lent offers former MAGA Christians

View this email in your browser By Betsy Shirley Editor in Chief, Sojourners A few weeks ago, a colleague shared an SNL sketch in which a suburban mom confesses to her adult children that she—like unprecedented numbers of white evangelicals,according to recent polling—is rethinking her support for Trump. She stammers: “I feel now… that he might be… bad for our country.” As she struggles to get the words out, she makes her kids swear not to react. “Give me grace,” she demands.  I thought about this sketch as I read Kaya Oakes’ essay outlining what Lent’s invitation to repentance means forChristians now rethinking their past support of Trump. Typically, the conversation focuses on shame or blame and “little is said about what correcting that harm might actually look like,” she writes. “Lent, however, providesa practical way forward.”  Elsewhere this week, we’re following the Chicago clergy whosued to be able to offer ashesto those in a detention center and a faith leader whothinks progressive Christians misuse the legacyof the Civil Rights Movement. And in case you haven’t heard: After 45 years,The Muppet Showhas returned, offering us a “wonderful community of oddballs coming together to make something beautiful and joyful—even in the midst of their frenzied fumbles.” Which, I’d say, is a pretty apt description of what it feels like to be part of the movement for faith and justice these days.  What Lent Asks Of Christians Rethinking Trump (by Kaya Oakes) Christians shouldn't shame people trying to leave Trump. But in the spirit of Lent, they should call them to repent. Read the full article Advertisement Our Latest Stories Justin Giboney Wants Us to Stop Co-opting the Civil Rights Movement (by Mitchell Atencio) The AND Campaign’s president explains why he doesn’t think King’s generation would endorse progressive politics of sex and gender. Read more Chicago Clergy Win Court Order Against ICE. Will ICE Comply? (by Tate Young) A day before Ash Wednesday, clergy told Sojourners they still hadn’t heard from ICE about providing pastoral care to Broadview detainees. Read more Trump’s ‘Law and Order’ V. The Muppets’ Holy Chaos (by Georgia Coley) In a moment when Christians confuse control with faithfulness, the Muppets’ slapstick chaos echoes a biblical pattern. Read more A New Book Smashes Idols of Economic Growth (by Matt Bernico and Dean Detloff) This excerpt from Enough is Enough: Degrowth, Capitalism, and Liberation Theology asks Christians to resist wanting more and more. Read more Advertisements Summer offerings at Boston College for ongoing ministerial growth and formation This summer, join us at Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry to renew and strengthen your ministerial skills. Offerings include a post-master’s certificate in spiritual formation; weeklong intensives on directing the Spiritual Exercises and utilizing Scripture in ministry; and a hybrid M.A. program designed for practicing ministers. DC Fellowship: Faith-Rooted Social Justice At Sojourners, find your place in the movement through a year-long fellowship that combines meaningful work in media, mobilizing, advocacy, or nonprofit management with intentional Christian community. All your needs are covered while you build the skills, community, and connections for lasting impact. Donate Subscribe Unsubscribe or update email preferences Copyright © 2026 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842