As we saw one person after another who has worked with NRCAT over our two decades in Washington, D.C., we were reminded of the collective power of our interfaith advocacy community and felt the presence of the thousands more who could not make it to D.C. but were represented by the faces gathered this week. In recent days, we've seen the unprecedented deployment of National Guard members and Marines to Los Angeles, over the objection of local leaders, and the once unthinkable announcement of plans for sending thousands of immigrants to Guantanamo. As U.S. Senator Alex Padilla from California said in a press conference on Thursday after he was thrown to the ground and handcuffed by ICE agents at a Department of Homeland Security briefing in the federal building in Los Angeles, “If this is how this Administration responds to a Senator with a question…you can only imagine what they are doing to farm workers, cooks, laborers...” At the same time, we have seen protests spring up in cities from coast to coast, as neighbors stand together with a message of protection for one another. It is only together that we will rise to challenge increasing militarism, the criminalization of Black and Brown people, lack of due process including for those who are being held at CECOT, white supremacy, Christian nationalism, and other growing threats to the most vulnerable among us. As an interreligious organization, we hold a deep commitment to being stronger together. When chaos, fear, and division are the point, we must be courageous in Living Our Values. NRCAT began nearly 20 years ago as a result of the determination of leaders from various faith traditions who were dedicated to working for a torture-free future and for a stable democracy. This Torture Awareness Month, we invite you to join NRCAT in several upcoming opportunities to engage with others in campaigns where together we will uphold human dignity and human rights in this critical time in our history, including: - “How To Shine Your Light,” our next “how to” webinar for faith advocates is on Wednesday, June 18 at 12pm – 1:15pm ET where you will learn about how your faith community can partner with NRCAT to lead public witness vigils on the 23rd of each month to draw attention to the estimated 122,00 people who are held for up to 23 hours a day in solitary confinement in U.S. prisons and jails. Register at: https://bit.ly/June18-2025Webinar
- In addition to asking your congregation or network to support a monthly vigil to end torture, you can support NRCAT’s state and national advocacy work through a donation to our June challenge match fundraising campaign, where all donations this month will be matched by two NRCAT donors, up to $30,000.
- Order NRCAT gear from our store here to “wear your values.” If you would like to order a NRCAT banner to display at your congregation or community center, contact [email protected].
In Community, Rev. Ron Stief, Executive Director & Rev. T.C. Morrow, Director of Finance and Operations (pictured below) | |
