Why I Must March

In the spirit of authenticity, I confess that I am not much of a marcher. It makes me uncomfortable. For years, I’ve played behind-the-scenes roles and managed to make a difference. But in times such as these, we all have to stand up and march. Now is not the time to hide in the shadows.

As a faith leader and as a woman, I am scared. I am scared for my own health, but as a white, straight, cisgender woman I know that I have it relatively good in the Trump administration. God calls me to something more, to action.

Isaiah 1:17 (NRSV) says: “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” I find comfort and instruction from this piece of scripture, it isn’t passive; it is a call to action.

The first action Isaiah gives us is learning and education. A strong, sustainment foundation for seeking justice is necessary. We live in a society where women aren’t equal, where racism has not been transcended, where the Gospel message of Jesus is being criminalized.

Standing down is not an option. It’s time for action and that includes marching. Today is the Women’s March on Washington and I’ll be there. Marching can be a gateway into activism. It’s a great first step is becoming an ally, an advocate, an agitator. It is going to be a long four years.

There is time for action, education, and living out the values of our faith. Today I march, tomorrow, I take another step forward to “seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”

Irene DeMaris, M.Div. is the Reproductive Health & Justice Faith Action Network Chair for the Methodist Federation for Social Action, a former FPL Faith Organizer Fellow who advocates for women’s health through a faith-based lens.

#womensmarch #politics #religion