Will the True Saints Please Stand Up?

As a nonprofit CEO, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of policies and rhetoric that seek to undermine decades of progress—progress built on the sacrifices of countless Americans who believed in the promise of democracy and human dignity. Today, I write not only as a leader in the nonprofit community but as a secular Christian, having grown up as a PK in the church amongst the fervor of Christian nationalists. I can no longer remain silent while the so-called victories of the current administration unwind the hard-won achievements of the past. The policy implementations we’re witnessing are not only a threat to democracy—they are a betrayal of everything good and holy in our society. The moral fabric of our nation is at risk!

Recently, we have seen disturbing signs of this erosion in our daily news. Reports over the past weeks have shown that dedicated, good Christian people—people who have long been the backbone of charitable work and community support—are being fired from positions in nonprofits and social organizations. In some communities, doors that once welcomed those in need are now being boarded up, leaving vulnerable populations with fewer resources than ever. Across the nation, LGBTQ individuals are living in fear, and the specter of family separation haunts the lives of immigrant children whose parents work tirelessly to build a better future. These developments are not isolated incidents; they are part of a larger pattern of cruelty driven by a cadre of greedy billionaires, narcissistic power brokers, and, yes, even religious figures who have been misled by those who would use Christianity as a tool for advancing their own profit-driven and self-edifying agenda.

For too long, we have allowed ourselves to be pawns in a game where billionaire interests and radical ideologies overshadow the values of community, compassion, and justice that our country was built upon. We must ask ourselves: How does it feel to be manipulated into serving an agenda that benefits the few at the expense of the many? Our history is filled with sacrifices—lives lost in wars for freedom, protests in the streets against oppression, and countless personal sacrifices made in the name of progress and human dignity. These sacrifices were not made in vain. They remind us that our democracy is fragile and must be protected by the very citizens who cherish it.

I believe in a bipartisan future, one where we can put aside how we voted last November and focus on what truly matters: preserving the rights and freedoms we hold dear. The current state of affairs—where religious freedoms and the basic human rights of our neighbors are at risk—is nothing short of blasphemy to the Bible and everything sacred in our nation. Aren’t we, as Christians, called to be charitable to those in need? In Matthew 25:40, Jesus teaches us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” How can we, in good conscience, follow a leader who has surrounded himself with advisors whose actions speak of greed and indifference to human suffering?

Let’s be clear: the current administration has shown that its policies favor billionaires and corporate interests over the everyday needs of hardworking families. In the last week alone, decisions have been made that jeopardize the safety and well-being of countless Americans. For instance, recent policy rollbacks have put social organizations—those vital nonprofits that support the underprivileged—on the brink of collapse, with reports of community centers being shuttered and jobs being lost. Simultaneously, communities that once welcomed diversity now face an atmosphere of fear and hostility as the rhetoric of hate and intolerance becomes normalized.

The time to be silent is over. We cannot let our nation slip into a future where our freedoms are dictated by the whims of those masquerading as protectors of our values. It is time for the real saints—the ones who practice true charity and compassion—to step up. I urge you to take specific actions to counter these destructive policies:

1. Get Informed and Educate Others: Stay updated with reliable news sources and share verified information with your community. Knowledge is our first line of defense.
2. Support Nonprofits and Social Organizations: Contribute your time, talent, or resources to nonprofits that are fighting to preserve the community services we all rely on. Organizations like Believe in Me are at the forefront of community empowerment and need your support.
3. Engage Politically Beyond the Ballot: Our democracy thrives when citizens actively participate beyond just voting. Attend town hall meetings, write to your representatives, and support bipartisan efforts that prioritize human rights and dignity over profit.
4. Build Bridges in Your Community: Reach out to neighbors and build coalitions across political and religious lines. Remember that our strength lies in unity. We are all called to help those less fortunate, regardless of background or belief.
5. Stand Up From the Pulpit: If you are part of a faith community, and you hear sermons that serve to divide and exclude, speak up! True Christian charity is about inclusion and care for the marginalized. As 1 John 3:18 reminds us, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Let us put our faith into practice by supporting policies and actions that build rather than tear down.

Our democracy has been forged through the sweat and sacrifice of generations who dared to challenge tyranny and injustice. They believed that every human being is worthy of dignity and respect and that the principles of freedom and justice are non-negotiable. Now, more than ever, we must honor their legacy by ensuring that these values continue to guide our actions.

I call on every one of you—regardless of your political affiliation—to be a saint in this critical moment. The time to act is now. Let us set aside partisan differences and work together to reclaim the heart of our nation. Remember that true strength comes from our commitment to compassion, justice, and the unyielding belief in the inherent worth of every human being. We owe it to our past, to our children, and the future of our democracy.

Stand up. Speak out. Be a modern-day saint.

Note: The opinions I share here are my own and do not necessarily represent the organization by which I am employed. I welcome comments that foster unity and a commitment to serving others.