In a bold move that surprised absolutely no one, Democrats have turned to faith to counter Trump’s policies—because nothing says “progressive resistance” like quoting scripture on the Capitol steps.
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a man who clearly knows his audience, declared to the Religious News Service: “Faith leaders have been at the forefront of every progressive movement… so I’m glad to see them getting into ‘good trouble.’” (Translation: “We need all the help we can get.”)
The scene? A dramatic “sit-in” led by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Cory Booker, who—armed with a gold cross and a Baptist church membership—kicked things off with a prayer so solemn you’d think they were filming a sequel to The West Wing.
“Father God, we humble ourselves before you…” Booker began, before launching into a 12-hour marathon of Bible quotes, liberation theology references, and the phrase “faith traditions” (used 45 times, because repetition is key to spiritual—and political—messaging).
Joining them was Rev. William Barber II, who delivered the mic drop of the day: “If you P-R-A-Y at the Senate but then P-R-E-Y on the vulnerable with your policies, you just canceled out your prayer.” (Take notes, GOP.)
This holy alliance isn’t entirely organic—Barber admitted he only got a last-minute invite to the sit-in—but Democrats are desperate. With Republicans controlling all three branches of government, liberals are suddenly very interested in what the religious left has to say.
And the religious left has been busy. Since Trump’s inauguration, faith leaders have sued his administration, preached against his policies, and even gotten arrested in the Capitol Rotunda—because nothing says “moral clarity” like a pastor in handcuffs.
Barber’s “Moral Monday” protests have become a weekly spectacle, complete with civil disobedience and pithy one-liners. “Let there be no peace where there is no justice,” declared activist Shane Claiborne before his arrest. (Meanwhile, GOP lawmakers were probably praying for quieter Mondays.)
Democrats, ever the eager students, are now quoting scripture like seminary dropouts. Coons cited “over 2,000 references to caring for the poor” in the Bible, while Booker channeled John Lewis with a call for “good trouble.” (Because if there’s one thing politicians love, it’s a ready-made slogan.)
But let’s be real—this holy-Democrat alliance is as awkward as a youth group mixer. Barber refuses to let politicians speak at his protests, and lawmakers are careful not to officially endorse civil disobedience. Still, the message is clear: When in doubt, bring out the Bible.
As Barber put it: “This isn’t about left or right—it’s about right or wrong.” (And, apparently, about who can quote Matthew 25 the fastest.)
So grab your hymnals, folks. The holy war against Trump’s policies has begun—and the prayers (and protests) are just getting started.
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For more information: https://religionnews.com/2025/05/07/to-put-pressure-on-trump-democrats-turn-to-religion-and-religious-activists
