Clergy and members of the faith community gathered together to protest Governor Walker and the Republican state legislators severely curtailing collective bargaining for public sector workers. Chanting “Tell me what religion should look like – This is what religion should look like” they were met with cheers from the crowd.
We know you are outraged – now join us in protest, prayer, and witness. Please join the following ICWJ actions:
ATTEND A VIGIL AT THE WISCONSIN STATE CAPITOL
The Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice (ICWJ) and Madison Urban Ministry (MUM) have organized nightly vigils sponsored by different faith communities at the State Capitol. Spread the word, invite your colleagues and friends, and let others know that the faith community is standing up to Governor Walker.
·     Mondays 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.: Jewish community, King Street entrance to Capitol
·     Tuesday, March 15: 7:00 p.m. Unitarian faith community, begins with march from First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, along Old University Avenue up to Capitol.
·     Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: Episcopal faith community, State Street Entrance to Capitol
·     Thursdays 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.: Lutheran ELCA faith community, State Street Entrance to Capitol
·     Fridays 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.: Presbyterian faith community, State Street Entrance to Capitol
·     Saturdays 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.: Interfaith gathering hosted by MUM, State Street Entrance to Capitol
·     Sundays 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.: Methodist faith community, State Street Entrance to Capitol
For more information please contact director@workerjustice.org or linda@emum.org.
SIT-IN AND STUDY, SING, AND PRAY AT GOVERNOR WALKER’S OFFICE
Leaders of the faith community have requested meetings with Governor Walker’s office. We want to discuss how his extreme legislation will affect our communities. We have not yet heard back from his office, and until we get a meeting we will attempt to sit in front of his office – studying religious texts on worker justice, singing songs from our religious traditions, and joining in prayer for justice for the people of the State of Wisconsin. Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon (Beth Israel Center) and Tina Lang (Deacon, First United Methodist Church) led sessions today.  SINCE THE CAPITOL HAS BEEN PERIODICALLY CLOSED OR DIFFICULT TO ENTER WE CANNOT MEET AT THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE. EACH STUDY SESSION WILL MEET AT THE CORNER OF W. WASHINGTON AND N. CAROLL STREETS (ON THE CAPITOL SIDE OF THE STREET). Ten minutes after the appointed meeting time the group will decide where to go: into the capitol if possible, sit outside, or go to a nearby inside location.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Friday, March 11, 12:00-2:00 p.m.: Rev. Todd Smith Lippert, Exodus Story
4:00-6:00 p.m.: Rev. Amanda Stein, Lenten book study: “Becoming a Justice-Seeking Congregation”
Monday, March 14, 12:00-2:00 p.m.: Rabbi Bonnie Margulis, Jewish Texts on Worker Justice
Tuesday, March 15, 4:00-6:00 p.m.: Rev. Tom Countryman, Hymns and Songs of Faith
Wednesday, March 16, 12:00-2:00 p.m.: Sister Maureen McDonnell, Call to Nonviolence; Readings on Peace/Justice; Silence
Would you like to make a political statement and infuse religious ideals into this political fight? Sign up to lead a session! Click on this link, which will take you to an online sign-up sheet:  Sit-In and Study, Sing, and Pray at Governor Walker’s Office – See Signup Sheet and write your name, affiliation, and what you’ll be doing. If you have specific questions, please be in touch at director@workerjustice.org.
JOIN THE INTERFAITH CONTINGENT AT SATURDAY’S RALLY AT THE CAPITOL