The Political Scene | The New Yorker Should Progressive Organizers Lean More on the Church?
Jan 22, 2026
Jay Caspian Kang, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the complex relationship between religion and political dissent. He discusses how churches historically provide essential support for protest movements, offering moral authority and community that modern activism often lacks. The conversation touches on the decline of church influence in politics, along with the challenges of translating digital dissent into meaningful local action. Kang also explores the potential for churches to reclaim their role in social justice, particularly amid rising political tensions.
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Digital Protests Flare, Then Fade
- Social-media-driven protests rapidly mobilize attention but often lack durability and clear outcomes.
- Jay Caspian Kang argues that online awareness rarely translates into sustained policy change without deeper infrastructure.
Churches As Organizing Hubs
- Jay describes activists in 2016–17 using churches for meetings, food, and planning after Philando Castile's shooting.
- He says churches provided physical space and scaffolding that sustained organizing efforts.
Sanctuary Movement Example
- Jay recounts the 1980s sanctuary movement where churches sheltered Central American refugees and created the sanctuary-city idea.
- He notes this movement combined moral framing with practical protection to influence policy over time.
