Betsy Shirley
@betsyshirley.bsky.social
Editor in chief at Sojourners.
"Ann’s dream of utopia is flawed, but there’s certainly a lot of beauty and a lot of grace in her experiment that I wanted to lift up and look at," the film's director Mona Fastvold tells @zacharylee.bsky.social for @sojoaction.bsky.social.
sojo.net/articles/cul...
sojo.net/articles/cul...
A Forgotten Utopia Comes to Life in ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’
Director Mona Fastvold was determined to remember the ecstatic Shaker “who mothered the world.”
sojo.net
February 4, 2026 at 9:54 PM
"Ann’s dream of utopia is flawed, but there’s certainly a lot of beauty and a lot of grace in her experiment that I wanted to lift up and look at," the film's director Mona Fastvold tells @zacharylee.bsky.social for @sojoaction.bsky.social.
sojo.net/articles/cul...
sojo.net/articles/cul...
Reposted by Betsy Shirley
“Unrestrained violence and unthinkable cruelty of federal immigration agents has been captured on video by hundreds ... Federal immigration agents’ actions have been memorialized in scores of court cases. Abuse is happening in public, not private. And there is no shame.”—Vincent Lloyd for @sojo.net
This Nation’s Violence Is No Longer Private
Once confined to prisons and wars, our worst human instincts are no longer hidden—they’re paraded on city streets.
sojo.net
February 3, 2026 at 9:12 PM
“Unrestrained violence and unthinkable cruelty of federal immigration agents has been captured on video by hundreds ... Federal immigration agents’ actions have been memorialized in scores of court cases. Abuse is happening in public, not private. And there is no shame.”—Vincent Lloyd for @sojo.net
Glad we’re all focused on the important stuff right now.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who attended Friday’s signing ceremony in the Oval Office, gushed: “To think, 190 miles an hour down Pennsylvania Avenue. This is going to be wild.”
President Donald Trump announces an IndyCar race through Washington’s streets — including Pennsylvania Avenue
The streets of the nation’s capital will host an IndyCar race this summer as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday, President Donald Trump announced.
trib.al
January 31, 2026 at 1:59 AM
Glad we’re all focused on the important stuff right now.
Wow. This is going to be one to watch.
It's no joke: Supreme Court is hearing birthright citizenship case on April 1.
January 30, 2026 at 4:06 PM
Wow. This is going to be one to watch.
Just gonna leave this here:
"Autocratic movements and regimes tend to weaken not only freedom of speech and of the press, but also the influence of public voices (often media or civil society) that could serve as vocal counterpoints to the autocratic faction." protectdemocracy.org/work/the-aut...
"Autocratic movements and regimes tend to weaken not only freedom of speech and of the press, but also the influence of public voices (often media or civil society) that could serve as vocal counterpoints to the autocratic faction." protectdemocracy.org/work/the-aut...
The Authoritarian Playbook - Protect Democracy
Today’s authoritarian playbook is a process that happens piecemeal and is hard to distinguish from normal political jockeying.
https://protectdemocracy.org/work/the-authoritarian-playbook/#quashing-dissent"
January 30, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Just gonna leave this here:
"Autocratic movements and regimes tend to weaken not only freedom of speech and of the press, but also the influence of public voices (often media or civil society) that could serve as vocal counterpoints to the autocratic faction." protectdemocracy.org/work/the-aut...
"Autocratic movements and regimes tend to weaken not only freedom of speech and of the press, but also the influence of public voices (often media or civil society) that could serve as vocal counterpoints to the autocratic faction." protectdemocracy.org/work/the-aut...
Journalists who report on protests establish facts of what happens; they hold both protesters and law enforcement accountable.
Arresting journalists suggests people in power want to keep the public from knowing the truth. It's easier to lie when there aren't facts.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/u...
Arresting journalists suggests people in power want to keep the public from knowing the truth. It's easier to lie when there aren't facts.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/u...
Federal Agents Arrest Don Lemon Over Minnesota Church Protest
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Journalists who report on protests establish facts of what happens; they hold both protesters and law enforcement accountable.
Arresting journalists suggests people in power want to keep the public from knowing the truth. It's easier to lie when there aren't facts.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/u...
Arresting journalists suggests people in power want to keep the public from knowing the truth. It's easier to lie when there aren't facts.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/u...
It’s bananas to me that a judge had to order this. Lawfully admitted refugees are just that: *lawfully admitted* to this country to escape a threat.
Everything we’ve seen in Minnesota is bad, but when agents go after even those who have legal status, it reveals that this isn’t about the law.
Everything we’ve seen in Minnesota is bad, but when agents go after even those who have legal status, it reveals that this isn’t about the law.
A federal judge on Wednesday ordered federal agents to stop detaining and deporting refugees in Minnesota who were lawfully admitted to the U.S., granting a temporary restraining order, which halts for now the Trump administration’s operation. The administration is likely to appeal the ruling.
Judge Orders Release of Minnesota Refugees Targeted in ICE Crackdown
A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order, which halts a Trump administration operation that has swept up at least 100 people so far.
nyti.ms
January 29, 2026 at 11:33 AM
It’s bananas to me that a judge had to order this. Lawfully admitted refugees are just that: *lawfully admitted* to this country to escape a threat.
Everything we’ve seen in Minnesota is bad, but when agents go after even those who have legal status, it reveals that this isn’t about the law.
Everything we’ve seen in Minnesota is bad, but when agents go after even those who have legal status, it reveals that this isn’t about the law.
If you're curious about Matt Moberg, the chaplain of the Minnesota Timberwolves whose statement on church silence amid violence went viral this weekend, Mitchell has the story at sojo.net:
Also: Moberg is a pretty darn good painter. sojo.net/articles/new...
Also: Moberg is a pretty darn good painter. sojo.net/articles/new...
The Chaplain Helping the Timberwolves Stand in Solidarity with Minnesota
“God has gifted you with extraordinary abilities, and that’s not a small feat,” Matt Moberg tells NBA players, “but that didn’t remove you from your brother next door or your sister down the road.”
sojo.net
January 27, 2026 at 10:41 PM
If you're curious about Matt Moberg, the chaplain of the Minnesota Timberwolves whose statement on church silence amid violence went viral this weekend, Mitchell has the story at sojo.net:
Also: Moberg is a pretty darn good painter. sojo.net/articles/new...
Also: Moberg is a pretty darn good painter. sojo.net/articles/new...
"We must be crystal clear that the terror and tragedy we are seeing play out in Minneapolis is not just immoral; it is increasingly evil," writes @revadamtaylor.bsky.social for @sojo.net sojo.net/articles/opi...
To Stop ICE Killings, More Christians Need To Tell the Truth
We follow in the tradition of biblical prophets who interrupted injustice by naming the spiritual lies it feeds upon.
sojo.net
January 26, 2026 at 10:47 PM
"We must be crystal clear that the terror and tragedy we are seeing play out in Minneapolis is not just immoral; it is increasingly evil," writes @revadamtaylor.bsky.social for @sojo.net sojo.net/articles/opi...
FYI, so many people have joined this call that it's exceeded the Zoom hosting capacity. Here's a link to the livestream on Facebook if you can't get in via Zoom www.facebook.com/228185379484...
January 26, 2026 at 1:12 AM
FYI, so many people have joined this call that it's exceeded the Zoom hosting capacity. Here's a link to the livestream on Facebook if you can't get in via Zoom www.facebook.com/228185379484...
Reposted by Betsy Shirley
In a time when so many in our communities are tired and afraid, we’re gathering across traditions to lament, pray, and ground ourselves in courage, compassion, and collective power.
Join us tonight at 8 p.m. ET for an interfaith call to action. Register at bit.ly/nationalfaithcalltoaction
Join us tonight at 8 p.m. ET for an interfaith call to action. Register at bit.ly/nationalfaithcalltoaction
January 25, 2026 at 7:05 PM
In a time when so many in our communities are tired and afraid, we’re gathering across traditions to lament, pray, and ground ourselves in courage, compassion, and collective power.
Join us tonight at 8 p.m. ET for an interfaith call to action. Register at bit.ly/nationalfaithcalltoaction
Join us tonight at 8 p.m. ET for an interfaith call to action. Register at bit.ly/nationalfaithcalltoaction
Masterful analysis by Washington Post journalists. It is not graphic, but clearly shows Pretti did not have a gun when he was shot in the back while two agents restrained him.
If you weren’t already engaged by what is happening in Minnesota, this should do it
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
If you weren’t already engaged by what is happening in Minnesota, this should do it
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Federal agent secured gun from Minn. man before fatal shooting, videos show
A Post analysis of videos sheds light on the encounter that left 37-year-old Alex Pretti dead.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 25, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Masterful analysis by Washington Post journalists. It is not graphic, but clearly shows Pretti did not have a gun when he was shot in the back while two agents restrained him.
If you weren’t already engaged by what is happening in Minnesota, this should do it
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
If you weren’t already engaged by what is happening in Minnesota, this should do it
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
“Two people familiar with the incident told the Minnesota Star Tribune that the man was Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37.”
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
Live: Federal agents shot and killed Minneapolis man; DHS officials say he was armed
A bystander video shows several agents wrestling with the man on a city sidewalk moments before the shooting. Police chief Brian O’Hara issued a plea for calm as protesters gathered at the scene: “Ple...
www.startribune.com
January 24, 2026 at 8:10 PM
“Two people familiar with the incident told the Minnesota Star Tribune that the man was Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37.”
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
“I understand the courage it takes to be out there. Thank God—THANK GOD—we have footage,” says Waltz to the people of Minnesota who are documenting.
January 24, 2026 at 7:46 PM
“I understand the courage it takes to be out there. Thank God—THANK GOD—we have footage,” says Waltz to the people of Minnesota who are documenting.
Reposted by Betsy Shirley
More relevant than ever. Bravery and courage is what the people on the streets in Minneapolis are doing, even amid cold, tear gas, and confirmed death of a second person shot by federal agents.
"The Trump administration wants us to believe that bravery is what happens when a man with a gun faces someone without one," writes @tylerhuckabee.bsky.social for @sojo.net. "That is not courage; it is cowardice with better branding." sojo.net/articles/opi...
The Cowardice at the Heart of the Trump Administration
One year into Trump's second term, Christians need to get serious about bravery.
sojo.net
January 24, 2026 at 5:05 PM
More relevant than ever. Bravery and courage is what the people on the streets in Minneapolis are doing, even amid cold, tear gas, and confirmed death of a second person shot by federal agents.
Many details not yet confirmed, including the condition of the person shot, but Minnesota governor confirms second shooting by federal agents. Follow constantly updated reporting from the @startribune.com here
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
January 24, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Many details not yet confirmed, including the condition of the person shot, but Minnesota governor confirms second shooting by federal agents. Follow constantly updated reporting from the @startribune.com here
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
"The Trump administration wants us to believe that bravery is what happens when a man with a gun faces someone without one," writes @tylerhuckabee.bsky.social for @sojo.net. "That is not courage; it is cowardice with better branding." sojo.net/articles/opi...
The Cowardice at the Heart of the Trump Administration
One year into Trump's second term, Christians need to get serious about bravery.
sojo.net
January 21, 2026 at 10:04 PM
"The Trump administration wants us to believe that bravery is what happens when a man with a gun faces someone without one," writes @tylerhuckabee.bsky.social for @sojo.net. "That is not courage; it is cowardice with better branding." sojo.net/articles/opi...
"Faith-based refugee resettlement organizations are raising alarms that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement is detaining lawfully resettled refugees," reports @saraheinselen.bsky.social for @sojo.net.
*lawfully resettled* let that sink in
sojo.net/articles/new...
*lawfully resettled* let that sink in
sojo.net/articles/new...
ICE Started a ‘Five-Alarm Fire’ in Minnesota, say Refugee Aid Orgs
“People aren’t going to work, kids aren’t going to school, people aren’t going to church on Sunday,” a spokesperson for World Relief told Sojourners.
sojo.net
January 21, 2026 at 2:11 PM
"Faith-based refugee resettlement organizations are raising alarms that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement is detaining lawfully resettled refugees," reports @saraheinselen.bsky.social for @sojo.net.
*lawfully resettled* let that sink in
sojo.net/articles/new...
*lawfully resettled* let that sink in
sojo.net/articles/new...
"Franklin Graham led a Christmas worship service at the Pentagon, where he preached about God being a 'God of war.' l I find it to be one of the most bizarre Christmas sermons ever given, but it was telling," writes @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social for @sojo.net
sojo.net/articles/opi...
sojo.net/articles/opi...
The God They Preach at the Pentagon
It is time to call such characterizations of God what they are: not just bad theology, but the creation of an entirely different deity.
sojo.net
January 13, 2026 at 10:21 PM
"Franklin Graham led a Christmas worship service at the Pentagon, where he preached about God being a 'God of war.' l I find it to be one of the most bizarre Christmas sermons ever given, but it was telling," writes @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social for @sojo.net
sojo.net/articles/opi...
sojo.net/articles/opi...
When the news seems messy and dark (::glares at 2026::), I often turn to the 50+ years of our archives to borrow the wisdom of other Jesus followers who've sought justice throughout history. Today, we share a collection of that wisdom with you!
Learn more at sojo.net/light
Learn more at sojo.net/light
January 13, 2026 at 4:10 PM
When the news seems messy and dark (::glares at 2026::), I often turn to the 50+ years of our archives to borrow the wisdom of other Jesus followers who've sought justice throughout history. Today, we share a collection of that wisdom with you!
Learn more at sojo.net/light
Learn more at sojo.net/light
"Moreno’s church cancelled service the Sunday after the attacks. They will hold an online service this Sunday, the 11th, and will continue to monitor the situation."
Thinking of all Christians, in Venezuela and elsewhere, who are afraid to go services this weekend.
sojo.net/articles/new...
Thinking of all Christians, in Venezuela and elsewhere, who are afraid to go services this weekend.
sojo.net/articles/new...
After Maduro, Venezuelan Christians Pray for End to U.S. Imperialism
“As a Christian, I want to be an agent of reconciliation, a bridge where people can come together, with no U.S.-directed interference in our country,” Rev. Ricardo Corzo Moreno told Sojourners.
sojo.net
January 9, 2026 at 11:52 PM
"Moreno’s church cancelled service the Sunday after the attacks. They will hold an online service this Sunday, the 11th, and will continue to monitor the situation."
Thinking of all Christians, in Venezuela and elsewhere, who are afraid to go services this weekend.
sojo.net/articles/new...
Thinking of all Christians, in Venezuela and elsewhere, who are afraid to go services this weekend.
sojo.net/articles/new...
“I was talking with one ICE agent about Matthew 25, ‘Whatever you did for the least of these, you did unto me,’” said Rev. @sohayward.bsky.social. “He told me he was going to go home and read Matthew 25 tonight."
Great reporting, @mitchellatencio.com
sojo.net/articles/new...
Great reporting, @mitchellatencio.com
sojo.net/articles/new...
Minneapolis Faith Leaders Amplify Demands for ICE to Repent
“It will be part of my mission to make sure people do not forget who Renee Nicole Good was,” Pastor Sergio Amezcua said. “She will continue to be a hero for our community for years to come.”
sojo.net
January 9, 2026 at 11:46 PM
“I was talking with one ICE agent about Matthew 25, ‘Whatever you did for the least of these, you did unto me,’” said Rev. @sohayward.bsky.social. “He told me he was going to go home and read Matthew 25 tonight."
Great reporting, @mitchellatencio.com
sojo.net/articles/new...
Great reporting, @mitchellatencio.com
sojo.net/articles/new...
Chilling words from White House press conference: Trump vows that the U.S. "will run" Venezuela "until such time as a proper transition can take place."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssdk...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssdk...
President Trump Holds a Press Conference, Jan. 3, 2026
YouTube video by The White House
www.youtube.com
January 3, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Chilling words from White House press conference: Trump vows that the U.S. "will run" Venezuela "until such time as a proper transition can take place."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssdk...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssdk...
Reposted by Betsy Shirley
"I’ve found that whenever politics get messy, the best theological question is often the simplest one: How do these decisions impact people who don’t have much power or money?"
sojo.net/articles/opi...
sojo.net/articles/opi...
A Simple Guide To Doing Theology During a Shutdown
Ignore the punditry. Washington gridlock is largely about these two biblical themes.
sojo.net
October 9, 2025 at 10:00 PM
"I’ve found that whenever politics get messy, the best theological question is often the simplest one: How do these decisions impact people who don’t have much power or money?"
sojo.net/articles/opi...
sojo.net/articles/opi...