As an Easter people, we are rooted in Resurrection hope. And as people of faith, we believe voting is a sacred way forward toward fuller participation and representation in public life. At a time when the “SAVE America” Act (S.1383) threatens to place new barriers in the way of millions of eligible voters, we are reminded why protecting the freedom to vote matters so deeply. President Trump recently issued a new executive order focused on restricting mail-in voting.

Across the country, NETWORK advocates’ are living our faith out loud protecting voting rights and building hope through faithful action. You can join us here! Our Advocate’s witness reminds us that change is already unfolding through collective work grounded in love.

I am so excited to share with you some of the highlights of our good progress from the field these past few weeks.

Be Blessed,

Minister Christian S. Watkins, M. Div.
NETWORK Senior Government Relations Advocate

Showing Up for Birthright Citizenship

Left to right: Sr. Eilis McCulloh, HM, Meg Olson, Laura Peralta-Schulte, and Min. Christian S. Watkins.

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court hearing arguments in Trump v. Barbara regarding birthright citizenship on April 1, NETWORK issued a statement and attended a rally with advocates and partners outside the Supreme Court.

“If you are born in the U.S., you are a U.S. citizen. That’s it. This has been established law for more than 150 years, and no single presidency should get to redefine American citizenship,” said NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Relations Laura Peralta-Schulte. “For people of faith, attempting to deny American citizenship is an aggressive and biased assault on human dignity. At times, our country has attempted to re-examine who is American and who is not based on the color of their skin or national origin.” Read the full statement here.

And see a collection of photos and videos from the event here.

ICYMI: Feast or Fascism

In the latest Connection Lead Story, Feast or Fascism, our Senior Content and Editorial Manager Don Clemmer examines how rising authoritarianism in the United States is closely tied to economic inequality and the erosion of democratic systems. Policies that concentrate wealth and power deepen division and harm marginalized communities. We gladly follow the leadership of Pope Leo XIV as he calls for a renewed commitment to dignity, solidarity, and the common good. Clemmer urges people of faith to resist injustice by building stronger, more just communities, and reminds us Catholic Social Justice can help us. Read more here.

The (Bitter) Sweet 16th Anniversary of the ACA

This month marks the 16th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, a landmark step toward ensuring that health care is accessible and affordable for millions of people across the country. The ACA has helped more than 24 million people gain coverage and significantly reduced the number of uninsured families, reflecting the Catholic social teaching that health care is a basic human right. Yet today, that progress is under serious threat, as recent policy changes have ended key premium subsidies and introduced new barriers that make coverage harder to access and afford.

To learn more, check out our infographic!

NETWORK at No Kings!

Virginia Advocate Anne Murphy and friends on steps of the Lincoln Memorial at DC No Kings Rally

Left to Right: Leslie Pruski, Avalyn Langemeier, and Rebekah Rivera at Texas No Kings Rally

NETWORK was proud to co-sponsor the No Kings Day of Action on March 28, as advocates across the country showed up in their communities to proclaim that this nation belongs to We the People, not to power, wealth, or fear. Rooted in our Catholic faith, we affirmed that government must uphold the dignity of every person, put people over profit, and respond to the needs of all, especially those on the margins. We are grateful for the many NETWORK advocates who participated and are happy to share photos from actions across the country that reflect this powerful witness of hope and solidarity.

Coston Fellows On and Off the Hill

NETWORK’s Coston Fellows walking the halls of the Cannon House Office building while advocating for food and housing policy.

Coston fellows sort food at the Capital Area Food Bank.

As hunger rose and SNAP cuts threatened millions, NETWORK’s Coston Fellows turned concern into action. During their recent visit to Washington, they volunteered at the Capital Area Food Bank, helping prepare meals for communities facing growing need, and then brought those experiences directly to Capitol Hill, urging lawmakers to protect access to food and housing. Their witness was a powerful reminder that no one should have to choose between groceries, rent, or their future. Take action here!