Category: Pondering Peace
Nonviolent Resistance
Millions of Americans took to the streets in the “Hands Off” demonstrations that occurred in over 1300 locations across the United States on April 5th. Having watched the presidential administration slash jobs of federal workers, disregard the civil rights of immigrants, dismantle important agencies, allow access to private data, threaten healthcare and social security benefits, and so much more, people had had enough and found this way to express their displeasure. When political channels are unresponsive to justice concerns of the people, nonviolent protest provides a way to get a message across. It provides a visible demonstration that the administration does not have a mandate from the people for what they are doing.
This coordinated protest effort involved 197 groups working together. Among them were Indivisible, The Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Climate Psychology Alliance, Win without War, Green Peace, Third Act, Veterans for Peace, Catholics Vote Common Good, Move On, and so many more. I especially appreciate that on every page of the Hands Off 2025 website their commitment to nonviolence is stated: “A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.” This emphasis is important to me as a Christian, as well as being essential for the effectiveness of such protest movements.
Engaging in such demonstrations is our right as Americans and is protected by the Constitution. The First Amendment reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” We have the right to peaceably assemble, to exercise freedom of speech, and to seek redress for our grievances. We also have the freedom to exercise our religion, and I consider working for justice and speaking out for those being oppressed to be an important part of following the way of Jesus.
So there I was, along with some members of my family. It was a blustery cold day that made standing on the street corner holding my “Hands Off!” protest sign a bit uncomfortable. But my heart was warmed by the arrival of our grandchildren with the signs they had printed themselves (with a little help from their father). “You’re my neighbor” and “I love you.” They expressed the heart of nonviolent protest in that it is to remain respectful of the humanity and dignity of all people, and at its best is an expression of love for both neighbor and enemy. It also warmed my heart to see all the support expressed by the vast majority of those who drove by with their honks, thumbs up, and verbal affirmations. It was clear that many more are aligned with this cause than the thousands of Kansans and Missourians who were actually protesting.
Daily we hear news of the further overreach of this administration as it grasps for power and seeks to enforce its agenda. Many have been dismayed by the weak response of Congress, and at times, the Supreme Court, which were designed to provide checks on executive power. One thing that stood out to me from the online calls and training provided by organizers of the Hands Off! protests was the need for us as the people to be courageous, thereby helping our leaders to be courageous. Right now, most national leaders in power are not being courageous in standing up to the administration’s overreach and heartless actions that are resulting in chaos and suffering. In one sense, perhaps, this is understandable because to do so not only exposes them to the ire of the president and the possibility of losing their political positions, but also the reality of death threats toward themselves and their families for stepping out of line. If we the people are courageous and demonstrate our support of leaders who will act on our behalf, then it is more likely they will be courageous in standing up for the rule of law and the Constitution and for doing what is morally right. We were told that public courage is contagious.
Research shows the power of nonviolent resistance. According to the research of Erica Chenoweth, it is rare that a government can withstand the challenge of 3.5% of its population mobilized against it in a peak event. This is due to the fact that this number of people can cause considerable disruption, likely indicates much wider public support, and can lead to political, business, and media supporters of the government defecting when it looks like the people movement will be successful. Of course, strategic leadership, organization, momentum, and sustainability are also very important in any people’s movement. In the United States, 3.5% of the population is around 12 million people. This means that although around 3.5 million people participated in the April 5th demonstrations, this is just the beginning. More and more people are needed in upcoming events so that this movement grows. Continuing to call and write our congressional members also adds to this support and pressure.
I was happy to see other church members at this demonstration, but I realize that some Christians may be reluctant to participate. Such activity may not have been a part of their previous faith practice, and it may feel too political. It may be helpful to realize that Jesus actually gave us a model for this in his Palm Sunday ride into Jerusalem amidst a large crowd of supporters. Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan’s book The Last Week supplies the historical context for that event and asserts that Jesus’ action was a counter procession to what was happening on the opposite side of Jerusalem. Each Passover season, Pontius Pilate led a military procession of calvary on horses into Jerusalem. Passover celebrated the Jewish liberation from Egypt of long ago. It was therefore a time when the longing for freedom especially gripped the people, and Jerusalem could be like a tinderbox waiting to burst into flames of rebellion. Roman authorities made their presence known to be sure order was kept.
Jesus also knew of how tense and potentially volatile this time could be, and the gospels indicate he was determined to go to Jerusalem, despite the dangers it held for him. His message was that of the reign of God, teaching a nonviolent way of dealing with injustice and oppression. His ride into Jerusalem mimicked the victory entry of the Roman oppressors, except he rode humbly on a donkey. This brought to mind Zechariah 9, which celebrates a future king riding into Jerusalem on a donkey in order to bring peace to the nations. A very large crowd celebrated him and called on him to save them with their hosannas, such that we read the whole city was in turmoil (Mt. 21:8-10). This was a mass demonstration of people following Jesus, expressing support for an alternative to the violence of Roman rule or insurrectionist rebellion. His subsequent clearing of the temple was a direct challenge to religious rulers collaborating with Roman rule for their own personal gain while participating in oppressing the people rather than serving their spiritual needs.
Many people were suffering, and Jesus’ compassion brought him to this response. Today countless numbers of people are getting hurt by what is happening. Deeply concerning is the complete lack of due process and respect for the civil rights of Venezuelan immigrants deported to El Salvador to dehumanizing conditions in a prison made for terrorists. The pictures emerging of how they are being treated are horrifying. Journalistic research has shown that only a few had any criminal record or real evidence connecting them with gangs. That means hundreds of innocent people are languishing in torturous conditions, even as the president in a recent conversation with El Salvador’s president encouraged the building of more prisons so that he could send “homegrown criminals.” Without due process, it only takes an accusation to end up in such a fate. Surely this alone, to say nothing of countless other grievous and lawless actions, is enough for us to take to the streets in protest.
With this story of Jesus and the model of other Christians who participated with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the civil rights movement, I hope that more Christians will join this nonviolent movement when the next opportunity presents itself. If it’s not comfortable, start by driving past and honking your support. That encourages those who are there. Attend nonviolent trainings that help you know how to respond to provocations. Go with someone else so that you are with others, which is always a good idea. And enjoy the joyful inclusive spirit of people gathered with the common concern to make our country better and care well for the people within it.
Rev. Ruth Rosell, Ph.D.
Director of the Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence
Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology Emerita
Central Seminary, Overland Park, KS
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.