March 2025

Open letter from Ames United Church of Christ to the President of the United States, the Governor of the State of Iowa, and the State of Iowa 

Federal and State Legislators,

Ames United Church of Christ stands in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ Siblings who are suffering persecution. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Siblings who are seeking adequate housing, abundant, nutritious food and access to health care, and for whom you are seeking to deny aid. We are united with our Siblings who are being forced further into poverty because of a government that serves the wealthy. We are holding hands with refugees and immigrants who seek a better life for themselves and their families in this country, despite the hatred spread against them. We are praying for our children and their children who have inherited an earth in crisis, the facts of which you deny and refuse to address. And, we are in body and spirit with all those you denigrate and seek to enslave, including, but not limited to, women, people of color and Indigenous peoples.

Ames United Church of Christ is horrified by the immoral and unethical behavior of elected officials in Iowa and across the country. The cruelty and hatred that seems a hallmark of the current federal and state administrations and others in positions of authority is beyond comprehension. We recognize, however, that it is real–the fear of government-sanctioned violence is real; the fear of retribution for exercising our rights as citizens is real; the loss of trust in our country is real; grief from betrayal at the hands of people in authority is real; feelings of confusion and despair provoked by the chaos this administration is creating is real. We lift our prayers for the president and his administration, for the governor of Iowa and her administration, and for all legislators who enact such hateful bills and orders, as well as those who do not act to prevent such cruelty, that your hearts may be softened by empathy and that you use your authority for the well-being of all people and for the future of our earth that it may be a healthy and beautiful environment for all.

Ames United Church of Christ believes that God is love. We extend a radical welcome to all people, and we strive to contribute locally, nationally, and globally in ways that demonstrate God’s compassion and love. If you can, join us in shining the light of love and hope; our flame may flicker but we won’t let it go out. And whoever you are, please know that you are a valued human being, and you are loved.

Ames United Church of Christ