Hundreds Join Palm Sunday Path at Wisconsin State Capitol

Faith-based procession serves as rebuke to Trump administration's policies

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Several hundred Madison-area Christians gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Palm Sunday for a faith-based procession called the Palm Sunday Path. The event was organized as a form of resistance to what organizers describe as the Trump administration's embrace of authoritarianism. Participants carried palm fronds and sang hymns as they walked around the Capitol building, echoing many of the same sentiments expressed during the previous day's No Kings protests against Trump.

Why it matters

The Palm Sunday Path represents a growing faith-based movement opposing the Trump administration's policies, particularly on issues like immigration, human rights, and support for marginalized groups. The event highlights how religious leaders and congregations are using their platforms to voice dissent and promote social justice causes.

The details

The procession was sponsored by the Wisconsin Council of Churches and included participants from various Christian traditions, including congregational, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian. During a sermon before the walk, Rev. David Hart of Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church told the group that Jesus identified with the outcasts of society during his lifetime. As the group walked around the Capitol, they sang hymns and carried signs referencing the Gospel of Matthew and calling for the welcoming of strangers.

  • The Palm Sunday Path took place on March 29, 2026, the day after the nationwide No Kings protests against the Trump administration.

The players

Rev. Will Massey

Associate pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison, who spoke about the event in a video posted by the Wisconsin Council of Churches.

Rev. David Hart

Pastor of Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church, who gave a sermon to participants before the procession began.

Wisconsin Council of Churches

The organization that sponsored the Palm Sunday Path event in Madison and other communities across the state.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We believe that now is not the time for the followers of Jesus to be silent.”

— Rev. Will Massey, Associate pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church

“Anchored in the Matthew 25 call to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and welcome the stranger, we follow Jesus to the seat of power to witness to Christ's reign of justice, peace, and shared belonging.”

— Wisconsin Council of Churches

The takeaway

The Palm Sunday Path demonstrates how faith-based groups are using religious traditions and symbols to voice opposition to the Trump administration's policies and promote social justice causes. The event highlights the growing role of the faith community in the broader resistance movement against the current administration.