TAKE ACTION: Good Trouble Continues – John Lewis National Day of Action
On July 17, 2025, the day Congressman John Lewis passed five years ago, local and national organizers will continue to advance a cause he championed his entire life — the protection of voting rights.
People of faith are taking action to carry forward John Lewis’ legacy of “Good Trouble”. In communities across the country, folks are taking part in the July 17th John Lewis National Day of Action to rally, march, host teach-ins, press conferences, and vigils to push Congress to protect the freedom to vote.
The right to vote is fundamental to the dignity of all people and essential to the flourishing of any just society. Yet, in recent years, we have witnessed an alarming increase in efforts to suppress voter participation, weaken electoral protections, and undermine trust in democratic processes—particularly in communities of color, among the poor, the young, and those with disabilities.
As United Methodists, we commemorate John Lewis National Day of Action, honoring the legacy of his life-long pursuit of fair, consistent voting rights protection. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to protect the sacred right to vote and to advocate for federal legislation that guarantees fair, free, accessible, and secure elections for all.
“Our involvement in political systems is rooted in the Gospel imperative to love our neighbors, to do justice, and to care for the vulnerable. As United Methodists, we acknowledge that love requires responsible political action and engagement aimed at the betterment of society and the promotion of the common good.” (the United Methodist Social Principles, The Political Community, Preface).
As disciples of Jesus and followers of Methodist founder John Wesley, who said “do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God,” we recognize the right to vote as an expression of both Christian witness and civic responsibility. Our faith calls us to resist all forms of disenfranchisement and exclusion.
Next Steps
This year’s John Lewis National Day of Action comes amid urgent calls for Congress to reintroduce and pass comprehensive voting rights protections, including: The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 14).
These legislative efforts are designed to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, establish national standards for voting access, and prevent discriminatory voting laws.
What You Can Do
- Contact your Senators and Representatives to urge swift passage of protective voting rights legislation via Church and Society’s Protect The Sacred Right to Vote Action Alert.
- Host or join a prayer vigil or teach-in on democracy, justice, and faith.
- Participate in your local community events for John Lewis National Day of Action
- Register and educate voters, especially young people, first-time voters, and those often excluded.
- Lift your voice publicly in solidarity with movements for free and fair elections.
