God created us in goodness. Yet, we have fallen away from that goodness, and the world is broken in so many ways. We are always being called back to that goodness. As clergy, we have the responsibility and the privilege of being present with the hurting and working for the in-bringing of the Kin-dom of God. While the history of protest has long been interwoven with religious leadership, we are seeing a resurgence in this time.
Protest is a bodily reminder that we are at odds with the status quo. Under a leader who cares deeply about popularity and optics, protest is a powerful way to refuse to play along. Following the 2016 election, a conservative Christian voice wondered if women at protests are looking for something in place of Jesus. I was, in fact, looking for Jesus at the protest, knowing that I follow a God who sides with those on the margins.
When it seems that the margins are growing with every news cycle, many of us feel the call to be witnesses to the Gospel, not only in our church buildings but out in the world. Below, I share what I have learned from my experience as a clergy woman participating in protests; I rely heavily on the resources and examples of our BIPOC and queer siblings who have long been doing this work.
BEFORE YOU GO:
Enter this space with prayer. Listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Reflect on your ordination vows. How does this lead you to action?
In Amos 7, God shows the reluctant prophet a plumb line—a standard by which the world is measured. Amos is charged with confronting a society that falls short of God’s justice. As you prepare, ground yourself in Scripture, letting it be your plumb line too.
Are you prepared to be arrested?
Before you join in a political action, assess the risk of arrest. This may vary from action to action and there may be zones that are more prone to arrest. During the 2017 airport protests in response to travel bans, the network of protestors at San Francisco International Airport assessed and communicated areas of increased risk. Observe and be in communication with those around you.
Prepare for the possibility of arrest. This includes knowing your rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You do not have to consent to a search.
Have support in place before you join an action. Know who will take responsibility for you if you are arrested. Will your congregation or larger denominational body provide legal aid or bail? Research the group organizing the political action, paying attention to their partnerships with legal observers or other avenues to support during arrest. This is particularly important if you are leading others into this space.
Some choose to write important contact numbers on their arm with permanent markers. If you choose to do so, consider a longer sleeve if you have any fear around that number being captured in photos, or by others who may present a harassment threat later on.
DURING THE ACTION:
Make sure that you have a buddy! Try to remain with at least one person and make sure that people who are not attending know where you plan to be and for how long.
How will you be visible? Will you wear a collar or a stole? If so, how do you mark yourself as a safe person for those who have been hurt by the church? Simply being a female presenting or gender non-conforming in a collar can go a long way. At San Francisco’s recent Trans March, I chose my rainbow collar for an extra visual reminder of affirmation. During our streetside Eucharist, I invited people to be aware of the space they are occupying. We were there to serve, not to block the sidewalk. Notice your bodies in relationship to others. Is there space for the curious to join? If not, make space. If someone looks back with interest, be brave and invite them in. Follow the Spirit.
Have a prayer ready. Sometimes in environments with heightened emotion, it is an act of care to rest in already written words. You may use these and you may feel led by the Spirit to speak in the moment.
What is your role?
Are you present with a group? Are you marching? Are you holding signs? You may want to check with your wider denomination’s communication or press office for signs.
Is this a joyful march or is this an action born of immediacy, fear, and anger?
Who are you there for? Your church members? The community? To be a trained peacekeeper?
At the recent No Kings action, I knew that I wanted to be present as a chaplain. However, I recognized that the word may not be accessible or meaningful to everybody. I broke down how I could be present and listed them on a sign hung from my backpack:
- Body: masks, sunscreen, water, snacks, first aid
- Person: permanent markers, know your rights cards, charging blocks
- Soul: prayer, conversation, communion cups
What will you say?
Decide if you want to speak. If so, have a few sentences ready. If you are present in a collar or stole, you are visible, and the media may be interested in what you have to say. Be able to articulate the reasons that you are present.
When interviewed at a roadside rally in Alaska that blossomed from under ten to over 100, I was the only clergy present. I also was in the community as a guest and didn’t want my words to represent the church I was present with for the season. I leaned into the Episcopal baptismal covenant which asks “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?”
Remember, “no” is a complete sentence if you do not wish to speak. Can you use attention that may be drawn to you to redirect to leaders or speakers who may be historically marginalized?
What will you do when events don’t go as planned?
Be flexible. Plans can change at a moment’s notice. Know any back up plans. Be in conversation. When rain prevented a vigil for Palestine organized by Palestinian Anglicans & Clergy Allies at the 2024 Episcopal General Convention, the group was able to quickly reorganize and, with the help of a priest and excellent moderator who joined, was able to hold an abbreviated prayer service.
Embrace the potential when actions do not go as planned. A day earlier at that convention, a volunteer called security when a handful of us, frustrated at the inaction of the bishops, decided to stand in front of the House of Bishops. While the five of us would have likely been lost in a crowd of thousands, the volunteer inadvertently amplified our message by containing us to a designated area.
AFTERCARE:
Make space for yourself after political action.
Self-care has become a trendy word and an excuse to indulge in small luxuries. However, self-care is a radical act in an unjust world. Political activist, professor, and author Angela Davis describes self-care as a part of activism, an active ingredient in navigating unjust systems. Create space for your self-care.
Rest. Calendar it and treat it with the same respect you would give other appointments. Rest looks different for all of us, so sleep or take a walk or do whatever it is that restores your soul.
Spend some time reflecting on the experience. Especially if you encounter something traumatic, take notes as soon as possible. What did you learn? What challenges did you encounter? How might you show up differently next time? Write it down. Or perhaps engage art. I felt moved to write an icon following an action. Will you share out your experience or is this reflection for your own edification?
Be in community with those you trust. Take time to decompress with your friends, clergy group, or therapist. Know that it may take a while for all your feelings to surface and settle. It is alright to take it slow and to revisit as needed.
Know that you have done what the Lord requires of you: do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).
RESOURCES:
Protesting Faithfully | The Episcopal Street Action Handbook
Clergy Coaching Network | Clergy and Arrest: What to Do If It Happens to You
San Francisco Interfaith Council | Resources For All Who Bear Public Witness
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