Religious leaders launch voter mobilization and protest entry denials

Bishop William J. Barber II, president of Repairers of the Breach, has launched a 100-day voter mobilization initiative titled ‘100 Days, 1000 Marches to the Polls’ ahead of the November midterms. During a sermon in Atlanta, Barber warned of a ‘moral deregulation’ in the United States, arguing that authoritarianism seeks to test the limits of public tolerance regarding justice and the general welfare.

Separately, interfaith leaders in Atlanta are denouncing Israel after 13 American citizens, including four United Methodist clergy members, were denied entry to Israel. The group was reportedly detained and banned from returning for up to 10 years after attempting to cross the Sheik Hussein Bridge from Jordan on August 13. The delegation, led by retired minister Edward Phillips, intended to visit Taybeh, a Christian village in the West Bank.

Organizers claim the entry denial violates the U.S. visa waiver program and suggest the action aims to prevent foreigners from witnessing conditions in the occupied territories. The group noted that Taybeh has recently faced increased pressure from settler activity, including vandalism and damage to olive groves.