For Immediate Release:
September 30, 2025
Media Contact:
Faith Leaders Demand Congress Pass a Moral Budget that Protects Healthcare, Social Services to Reopen the Government
As the government shutdown begins, congregations demand dignity, justice, and opportunity for all families
WASHINGTON — With the government shutdown officially in effect, faith and civic leaders are demanding that legislators step up and advocate for all God’s children. Leaders with Faith in Action, a global faith-based grassroots organizing network, are urging Congress to prioritize people’s basic needs, especially with 22 million people on the precipice of losing access to health care.
Bishop Dwayne Royster, executive director of Faith in Action, said: “While President Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to push legislation that lines their pockets and golf in Mar-a-Lago on the taxpayers’ dime, everyday Americans are being kicked off their health insurance, and are struggling to afford their groceries and keep the lights on. Immigrant families are being ripped apart by armed agents and scapegoated to distract from policies that fail working people across this country. It’s past time that political leaders of all stripes listen to the people’s voices and fight for us. We must chart a new path that allows all God’s children to thrive and flourish.”
The Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould, political director at Faith in Action, said: “In a year filled with shutdowns, including the shutdown of government agencies, racial equity programs, healthcare and SNAP for millions of people, the disruption of life for immigrants and young Black people under the shadow of troops trying to shut down our cities and an attempt to shut down resistance, it is no surprise that we are here. But this time, the shutdown does not have to leave us in despair. As people of faith acting together, we demand the shutdown of partisan power plays that deny people their basic needs. We need lawmakers to fight for all of us and avoid the shutdown of healthcare premium credits for 22 million people. Congress can come together, ‘do justice’ and fight for all of us, by canceling cuts, extending credits and saving lives.”
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About Faith in Action
Faith in Action is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 46 local and state federations. For more information, visit www.faithinaction.org.
Faith in Action is a 501c(3). Faith in Action and its affiliates are non-partisan and are not aligned explicitly or implicitly with any candidate or party. We do not endorse or support candidates for office.
