More than 10,000 people of faith committed to the FAST Action, 40 days Prayer and Fasting for Immigration Reform. As we closed the 40 days on October 18th, we recognize the need for action and escalation is only growing as we approach a shrinking timeline for legislation. We must continue to lift up the moral imperative of immigrants’ rights and immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship.
Now many people of faith from all traditions are joining labor, immigrant and community leaders in setting the moral compass and raising our voices. Many faith organizations are joining the Fast for Family Unity beginning November 12th.
Interested? Here’s how to take action:
- Visit fast4families.org
- Download the “Fast for Family Unity” Toolkit.
- Prayerfully consider how you and your congregation might participate in the fast.
- Contact us if you’d like to travel to Washington, DC to participate. There may be funding available to help with travel.
Background: Fast for Family Unity on Capital Hill, Nov. 12-Dec. 12
Beginning November 12th, many leaders are committing to fasting as long as they are able on Capitol Hill, pitching a tent and camping out with high-level labor and faith leaders along with community members and immigrant leaders. Here’s what we expect to happen in DC:
- Launch for Fast for Family Unity in Washington DC on November 12th with Solidarity Actions happening in major cities across the country.
- This fast will take place on capital hill to draw attention of decision makers and bring a prophetic witness to the place of power.
- We will pitch tents outside so that the fast is public and visible. There will be a space for a fasters to have their own tent, and a separate community support tent for all those coming to show support, lift up prayers, or fast for a day.
- Leaders will fast as long as they are able from November 12 to December 12th, but when they are no longer able to fast, other leaders will rotate in as we continue the entire month.
- When leaders cannot to commit to the fast, they will be asked to join in the regular prayer services, vigils, press conferences and other religious rites held on Capital Hill in to lift up and support the Fast for Immigrant Justice.
- Daily visitors to include public notables, civil rights leaders, past fasters, Members of Congress.
- Invite field groups and individuals to be part of the fast, either by holding shorter 24-hour fasts / protests outside of key decision makers’ offices, or by hosting solidarity events and vigils.
While news reports continue to talk about the demise of immigration reform, we don’t want to let any lawmakers off the hook. The American people want reform, and even a majority in the House wants reform. We won’t go down without a fight. Please join us.