Religion and Politics

For Embattled TN Lawmakers, Liberal Faith Group Movements Were a Training Ground

Jack Jenkins of Religion News Service reports that Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, the two Democratic lawmakers expelled from the Tennessee legislature over a gun control protest on the house floor, have roots in liberal faith groups. Both lawmakers participated in the Poor People’s Campaign, an activist movement led by the Rev. William Barber. Jenkins writes, “At the heart of that activism is a faith-infused advocacy environment common in the South, where coalitions of local religious communities — particularly Black churches, mainline Protestants and interfaith organizations — often partner with national faith-led activist groups.” Both men have regained their seats in the state legislature after being reinstated by local councils.

Read at Religion News Service

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