Dear *{{Informal Name}}*,

 

 

I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and well this summer, and that you're finding renewed strength to meet the challenges of this season. While still working remotely at Justice Revival, our focus on advancing this mission remains as strong as ever. In recent weeks, this has meant preaching on human rights, preparing for Asylum Advocacy Days, and continuing to grow an outstanding team. Read on for the latest updates and invitations for you to get involved. 

Advocating for Asylum Seekers

 

This week Justice Revival will be joining the Interfaith Immigration Coalition in a virtual advocacy campaign on behalf of families and individuals fleeing persecution and seeking asylum in the United States. America has long represented a beacon of hope and safety for people in need of refuge, in accordance with international and U.S. law. Our Christian faith compels us to affirm these efforts to welcome the stranger with compassion and justice.

 

Justice Revival's team of volunteers will be partnering with 400 fellow faith advocates to express our concern to Members of Congress about the harmful impact of moves to dismantle the U.S. asylum system, including the effects on vulnerable, unaccompanied children on both sides of our southern border.

Policy Requests (& How You Can Join Us) 

 

Our policy requests include:

• supporting pro-asylum legislation;
• defunding harmful anti-asylum policies;
• halting detention and deportations during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
• ensuring robust oversight of funding to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

 

We'll be asking lawmakers to restore asylum protections so the U.S. may once again meet its human rights commitments, by considering the claims of men, women, and children seeking safe haven.

 

Interested in supporting this effort? You can use the campaign resources to contact your national and local representatives, write a letter to the editor, or share your support on social media.

Human Rights in the Work of the Kingdom

 

On Sunday I had the honor of preaching at my home church, Bradley Hills Presbyterian in Bethesda, Maryland. After recently re-reading Walter Rauschenbusch’s renowned work, A Theology of the Social Gospel, I felt moved to speak about the Kingdom of Heaven, which Jesus urges us to make our highest priority. (Matt. 6:33) What is our role in working for transformation, and welcoming the world God intended? How does this relate to the work of justice as expressed through human rights? I hope you’ll listen to my reflections on these questions and reach out with your own.

Standing in Solidarity for Voting Rights

 

In this presidential election year, amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the right of each citizen to have a vote and voice in our democracy is crucial. Justice Revival is proud to support the San Francisco Black-Jewish Unity Group (& Allies) by inviting you to their upcoming forum: “In Defense of Democracy: Getting Out the Vote in an Age of Heightened Voter Suppression.” Designed to “inform, build bridges and community, promote greater democratic participation, and turn back the tide of voter suppression,” this event will take place via Zoom on Sunday, July 26th at 4:00 pm EDT. Register here.

Welcome Our Newest Team Members

 

Justice Revival recently welcomed two amazing women to its growing team. Lateisha Garrett of Garrett Strategies joined Justice Revival’s board of directors last month, after serving as an advisor on our fall 2019 Human Rights Day campaign. A member of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, Teisha brings a wealth of expertise in development and communications for nonprofits and political campaigns, along with a serious can-do spirit grounded in her deep faith.

Mary Katherine McCullough is Justice Revival’s first undergraduate summer intern, coming to us after her second year as a Public Policy & English major at the University of Virginia. Active in her women’s chorus and sorority on campus, Mary Katherine’s work this summer focuses on communications and donor relations. (She may have even had a hand in the email you’re reading right now!)

Interested in joining our team? We’re always looking for skilled volunteers and interns who share our passion for advancing a Christian witness for human rights in this country. Visit our website to learn more about our summer and academic year intern program and open volunteer positions.

 

In faith, hope & love,

Allyson McKinney Timm

Founder & Executive Director

A Christian Voice for Human Rights