Faith Leaders Stand Up Against Injustice

Clergy members take action to defend the marginalized and vulnerable

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A growing number of faith leaders across the United States are "standing in the gap" - a biblical concept of defending the breached and providing support to the marginalized. This includes clergy members protesting immigration enforcement, speaking out against mistreatment of migrants, and placing themselves between authorities and protesters. Leaders like Bishop William J. Barber II and Episcopal Bishop Rob Hirschfeld are leading this charge, even at personal risk.

Why it matters

This movement of faith leaders taking bold stances against injustice and standing up for the vulnerable represents a significant shift from the evangelical Christian support for former President Trump, who held anti-immigrant policies. It highlights a growing divide within the Christian community, with some leaders choosing to align their faith with progressive social causes rather than partisan politics.

The details

Prominent religious figures like Russell Moore, a former top official of the Southern Baptist Convention, and journalist Tim Alberta have warned about the division of Christians into two camps - those who view issues through the eyes of Jesus versus those who process everything through a partisan right-wing filter. This divide has been exemplified by incidents where pastors were admonished by parishioners for preaching about the Beatitudes, a core part of Christian teaching, for being "weak" and "leftist." However, a growing number of faith leaders are now taking bold stances, such as clergy members in Minnesota being arrested for protesting immigration enforcement at the airport, and bishops in Chicago, Washington, and Newark issuing a moral warning against the U.S. government's "force-first" foreign policy approach.

  • On January 23, 2026, an estimated 100 members of the clergy were arrested at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for protesting immigration enforcement.
  • On January 21, 2025, the Rt. Rev. Mariam Budde gave a sermon at the Washington National Cathedral calling for mercy on immigrants and defending LGBTQ+ individuals.

The players

Russell Moore

A former top official of the Southern Baptist Convention who has warned about the division of Christians into two camps.

Tim Alberta

A journalist and best-selling author who grew up in the evangelical tradition and has also warned about the division of Christians.

Bishop William J. Barber II

A religious leader who has become a fixture at anti-ICE/anti-Trump protests across the country, saying "We cannot be ministers in this moment and ignore what's going on."

Bishop Rob Hirschfeld

An Episcopal bishop in New Hampshire who urged clergy to prepare their wills "because it may be that now is no longer the time for statements, but for us with our bodies to stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable."

Cardinal Blase Cupich

The Cardinal of Chicago who, along with the Cardinals of Washington and Newark, issued a joint statement questioning the U.S. government's "force-first" foreign policy approach.

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The takeaway

This movement of faith leaders standing up against injustice and defending the vulnerable represents a significant shift from the evangelical Christian support for former President Trump's anti-immigrant policies. It highlights a growing divide within the Christian community, with some leaders choosing to align their faith with progressive social causes rather than partisan politics, and underscores the important role religious institutions can play in addressing societal issues.