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Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ (UCC), participated in various events in Washington D.C. on Ash Wednesday, March 5. These gatherings were focused on urging the federal government to reconsider potential cuts to public programs such as Medicaid and SNAP.
Faith leaders and members of Congress assembled on Capitol Hill for a prayer service, where ashes were distributed as part of an event organized by the Washington Interfaith Staff Community's working group on Domestic Human Needs. The UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy is a member of this group.
During her address, Thompson expressed concern over Congressional efforts to reduce funding for healthcare, food assistance, and housing. She called for unity against greed and complacency: “Today we stand with the hungry. We stand with the poor... Cuts lacking in compassion for those we are called to love as we love ourselves.”
Thompson also joined an event by Repairers of the Breach that involved faith leaders marching to the U.S. Supreme Court to advocate against current policy proposals. The rally featured speakers like Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and Rev. Amanda Hendler Voss who urged national repentance from injustice and oppression.
Protesters carried signs reading slogans such as “The Budget is a Moral Document” and “We Demand Justice, Not Idolatry.” This event was recorded for public viewing.
Another gathering outside the U.S. Capitol marked the beginning of Faithful Witness Wednesdays, organized by Sojourners and WISC, aiming to encourage Congress to uphold its powers against executive overreach.
Thompson also met with local UCC pastors in D.C., discussing challenges faced by their congregations due to federal worker dismissals.
Mike Neuroth from the UCC’s Office of Public Policy and Advocacy remarked on Lent as a time for reflection and hope: “This Lenten season is a moment to reflect... It is rather a time to sow seeds of joy and resistance through our grief.”
Abigail Cipparone from the UCC’s Washington office criticized Congressional budget plans threatening social programs while favoring tax cuts for wealthy households: “Congress is hurtling towards cutting Medicaid... This is not only a betrayal... it is also a fundamental violation...” She noted that Ash Wednesday's turnout demonstrated strength among religious communities advocating for vulnerable populations.
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