More than 100 Mennonites and allies gathered March 21 in Chicago’s Union Station for a “flash-mob” public worship service, declaring “God’s Love Knows No Borders.” It was part of a larger movement of Mennonite Action chapters hosting public services across the United States.

Activists sang Mennonite, Hebrew, Black liberation and Spanish songs led by Mennonite Action Chicago, Songs 4 Liberation, and Immigrant Solidarity DuPage for around two hours. Sawsan Abubaker, Cristóbal Cavazos and Candace Bell spoke to the importance of working toward justice for Palestinians, immigrants, LGBTQ+ neighbors and all impacted by cuts to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and other vital federal programs.

“The Mennonite Church in Lombard has been our ally for years and years,” said Cavazos of Casa DuPage Workers Center in Wheaton, Ill. “. . . I love that their faith is not a faith of convenience, that they are out here interrupting [business as usual]. . . .

“We’re out here bringing all of these struggles together because real faith — if it’s not denouncing injustice, if it’s not out there with Moses trying to break free, if it’s happy in the Pharaoh’s house — it’s not my faith at all. That’s the faith of the oligarchs.”

Candace Bell, minister of Trinity United Church of Christ, said America’s values are reflected in what happens to the most marginalized citizens.

“When we allow DEI programs to be stripped away we are complicit in reinforcing the very structures that perpetuate racism, discrimination, and inequality,” Bell said.