Riverside Weekly Actions | May 14, 2026
Peace is not Passive
In a world where fear is often used to divide neighbor from neighbor, the words of Epistle to the Ephesians remind us that Christ “has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us” (Ephesians 2:14). Systems of injustice survive when ordinary people are convinced to blame one another instead of confronting the powers that exploit, exclude, and harm. The Gospel provides another possibility through Christ’s embodiment of peace which involves actively participating in the holy work of tearing down walls built by racism, greed, nationalism, and fear.
We are called to resist the politics of division by choosing solidarity over suspicion and community over isolation. Every act of mutual care, every public witness for justice, every refusal to dehumanize another person becomes part of God’s work of reconciliation in the world.
We invite you to participate in active peace through these actions below:
Hands Off NYC Faith
Hands Off NYC Faith Table Meeting will take place tonight, Thursday, May 14, from 5:30–7:00 pm at the Latino Pastoral Action Center (14 W 170th St, Bronx, NY 10452).
This gathering brings together faith leaders from across NYC to connect, reflect, and get equipped to support our communities in this moment—particularly as we continue navigating the impacts of federal policies on immigration, voting rights, and community wellbeing.
The evening will include:
- A spiritual reflection from Bishop Raymond Rivera
- A practical Know Your Rights training on what to do if a congregant is detained
- Insights on election protection and the “Hands Off Our Vote” campaign
Joint Nakba Remembrance Ceremony
Please join us as we gather in person in New York City, honoring lives lost while standing for a shared future rooted in dignity, justice, and nonviolence, hosted as part of the NYC AFCFP Chapter.
This ceremony is rooted in the core belief of Combatants for Peace: that genuinely understanding the lived experiences and historical narratives of both societies is essential to breaking the cycle of violence and building a different future. It reflects a commitment to justice, acknowledgment, and accountability, and affirms that true peace can only emerge when all people are free and the humanity of every individual is upheld without exception.
We’ll gather at 3:30pm ET May 15th, at Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012 to watch the ceremony together.
Space is limited; kindly register in advance via this link:
https://secure.everyaction.com/X9jR3o9ka0qtqZq9KoUB8g2 ,
Help increase turnout for Rent Guidelines Board hearings
Volunteer for a non-partisan, door-to-door canvass to boost New Yorkers’ participation in Rent Guidelines Board hearings across the five boroughs in May and June. “These hearings only matter if New Yorkers show up,” said organizers in the New York Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement.
The NYC Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) is mandated to establish rent adjustments for the approximately one million dwelling units subject to the Rent Stabilization Law in New York City.The Board holds an annual series of public meetings and hearings to consider research from staff and testimony from tenants, owners, advocacy groups, elected officials, and industry experts.
Learn more/sign up – https://www.nyc.gov/content/organize/pages/
From Friends Committee on National Legislation: Protect our Democracy
The Supreme Court’s recent decision essentially gutting the Voting Rights Act has been followed by a rush by state governments to enact gerrymandered congressional maps that will further limit the voting power of minority communities. Read analysis from FCNL’s José Santos Moreno.
We also know there are concerns about the potential for threats to polling places. These resources and opportunities from our coalition partners will empower you to act locally.
Quaker Call to Action (Next call on May 31) Poll Chaplain and Peacekeeper Training (Next call on July 13) More resources available on FCNL’s election resource page and civil rights page.