As Christians mark Lent, Muslims observe Ramadan and Jews celebrate Passover, leaders from numerous faith traditions are gathering each week in front of the U.S. Capitol, calling on Congress to show moral courage in the face of growing authoritarianism and attacks on democracy.

These spring vigils, called “Faithful Witness Wednesdays,” provide opportunities for people of faith to speak out while too many remain silent. They bring together conservative, progressive and mainstream religious leaders in a unified call for congressional leaders to follow the Constitution and their conscience above any president or party allegiance.

Chanting it can be easier than practicing it.

  

As each day brings a new “shock and awe” tactic from President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, moral courage is being tested. My spirit feels battered by the immense harm and devastation of just two months. The administration’s self-proclaimed strategy of overwhelming opposition with a relentless onslaught of radical actions can feel like it is working.

My sister admitted to me recently that many of her friends are too paralyzed by fear and horror to be politically active right now. It’s understandable.Countless lives and livelihoods are at risk due to reckless, ignorant cuts to vital funding at home and abroad. Migrants are being dehumanized, identities are being erased, and students are being deported. Decades of work making our country and communities safer, healthier and more educated are being undone by the sweep of the president’s pen and the mass emails from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency team.

While the courts are beginning to push back, many are asking:

Where is Congress? Some lawmakers are speaking out, but far too few are showing the kind of moral courage their constituents and the country need right now.

The Constitution balances federal powers across three co-equal branches of government for a reason: to prevent the very abuses we are witnessing.

Court challenges to some of the worst edicts—such as efforts to use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport people without due process—will, hopefully, prevail. An anticipated travel ban affecting many Muslim-majority countries should also be challenged. But Congress must begin acting as an independent branch representing the American people in all our diversity. This is no time to pander to a president intent on dismantling democracy or to strike a devil’s compromise for political gain. This is the time to stand up, speak out and use the powers of Congress to prevent further abuse.

Luckily, moral courage is contagious. And we are beginning to see it spread. More judges are issuing orders to stop illegal actions. Some in Congress are speaking out more frequently and openly. The State Department’s dissent channel has been used by more than 700 officials and counting. Likewise, people power is growing.

Last week, as I walked to the “Faithful Witness Wednesday” vigil, I found myself weaving through large groups converging on Capitol Hill, heading into congressional offices or setting up their own rallies.

Entrance lines wrapped around sidewalks as more people than I had ever seen in my 30 years in Washington, D.C., sought to meet their representatives. While the first Trump administration saw large street protests, the strategies this time are focused on advocacy and pressuring Congress to do its job.

As our faith vigil began, nurses exited buses intent on saving Medicaid while music fired up a crowd at an event to protect LGBTQ rights. The next day, young children, families and teachers from D.C. public schools showed up with crayons and art supplies to deliver signs urging Congress not to cut their education. The energy was infectious, and it reminded me of the late Rep. John Lewis, who once said, “Democracy is not a state. It is an act.”

There are countless actions we can take to uphold our democracy. Emails, letters, phone calls and visits to Congress help keep our representatives accountable. We need to encourage them to stand up, speak out and do more. Gathering with neighbors for town halls, advocacy actions and vigils helps us build power together. Rest, joy, humor and time with loved ones are also vital forms of resistance that strengthen our resilience for the journey ahead.

In the face of tyranny, every act of democratic participation is an act of moral courage, and every one of us can be part of the change we need. So, what time is it? Time for moral courage.

The writer is general secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation.