Dear *{{Informal Name}}*,

Though 2023 has barely begun, our nation is already grieving multiple violent and devastating tragedies—from the brutal murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the police in Memphis to mass shootings in California.

Our hearts break for the sacred lives that continue to be stolen by the epidemics of police brutality, systemic racism and xenophobia, and gun violence. We grieve with the many loved ones who are left to make sense of these senseless acts of terror.

All human life is sacred and we pray for the day when our nation would truly honor it as such—by abolishing the racism that runs through our criminal system; by reforming a culture that exalts guns over lives; by breaking the silence on lethal gender-based violence.

As people of faith, we must recommit each day to ending any mindset or structure that reinforces human hierarchy, domination, and oppression—or that enables aggression. 

Last week, we opened our Human Rights Workshop at Yale Divinity School by focusing on systemic racism and racialized policing. And in 2023, we will continue to offer innovative educational programs that speak to pressing injustices and equip you to respond.

Through the year ahead, we also remain dedicated to leading and growing our interfaith campaign for the Equal Rights Amendment, uplifting resources and opportunities to advance justice (like this round-up of anti-racism resources), and amplifying far and wide the message that doing justice means upholding the inherent human rights of all.

We hope you’ll join us.

Last week, Rep. Ayanna Pressley introduced a House bill that would affirm the validity of the ERA and remove the arbitrary time limit on its ratification—standing in a long line of Black women who’ve advocated for the ERA over the decades. This mirrors a parallel bill in the Senate, SJ Res 4, which was introduced by Senators Ben Cardin and Lisa Murkowski. Senate Majority Leader Schumer also recently spoke about the need for the ERA. 

The ERA is a basic human rights reform that is vital for addressing injustices like violence against women and pregnancy and pay discrimination. Urge your members of Congress to make constitutional equality a reality by co-sponsoring this new legislation!

Black leaders and faith communities have always been at the forefront of movements for justice in the U.S. This Black History Month, we’re uplifting a few examples of visionary advocates and faith leaders who’ve advanced human rights. 

Join us in learning more about figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, who appealed to the United Nations on behalf of the human rights of African Americans, and Prathia Hall, an activist and womanist theologian who inspired Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech. 

As the struggle for justice continues today, these prophetic individuals can inspire us to channel our beliefs and faith values into courageous action. 

Follow along on social media!

We are grateful to continually learn, grow, and take action alongside you. Thank you for your faithful presence in this community and commitment to helping create a more just and loving world.

In hope,

Allyson McKinney Timm

Founder & Executive Director

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