Rising Together in the Fight for Democracy in 2025
Philadelphia, PA (January 7, 2025)
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
Protecting our people has always come with sacrifice. It demands courage, strength, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right—especially when it’s hard. But ultimately, we do what is necessary for the survival of our communities, especially for those who are the most vulnerable, the closest to the pain. Our faith calls us to this work, and together, we will rise to meet this moment with love, determination, and hope.
Family, as we enter 2025, our communities are facing challenges unlike anything we’ve seen before. The political climate presents an unprecedented threat, and our democracy, our values, and our people are now facing challenges more profound and urgent than ever before. Many of the tools and mindsets we’ve relied on in the past will not meet the challenge. Together, we must think and be born anew. POWER Interfaith’s board of directors has asked me to lead our movement through this challenging time and bring us to a new and better future.
POWER is Pennsylvania’s largest multiracial, multifaith, multiclass, and multigenerational faith-based organizing entity. Representing 200 congregations across the commonwealth—from Philadelphia to Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Lehigh, and Lancaster counties—we stand as a testament to the belief that every person, no matter their background, has inherent worth and dignity.
It’s an honor to continue my life’s work alongside you as your new executive director.
As we look forward, POWER Interfaith will continue to serve as your political, spiritual, and moral home.
Together, we’ll create a Pennsylvania – and a world – that works for every community. Where everyone has a say , where we ALL thrive, and ALL people are safe.
Job one for POWER is bringing more people into the democratic process. This means being laser-focused on enrolling people into a worldview that increases their agency and belief in their own power to make change, and builds a sense of community and belonging, so that people can wield their power collectively and make life better for themselves and their families. Our democracy is under attack—but it is our collective responsibility to protect it and make it truly inclusive. This is not about political parties or candidates. It’s about the very heart of our democracy.
We must bring more people who are closest to the pain into the center of civic life. This is POWER’s mission and charge.
In order to achieve this vision, every hour our time and every dollar of POWER’s budget must be focused on organizing and base-building – the kinds of work where people are in direct communication and relationship with people. This agency- and collective power- based worldview will put Pennsylvania – and by extension, America — back on the path toward a truly inclusive multiracial democracy and away from authoritarianism.
I know change is hard. Over the past months, we’ve taken a hard look at POWER’s organizational structure—top to bottom—and made the difficult decisions necessary to meet the unprecedented threats we’re facing. I want to honor those who are transitioning from our team and thank them for their contributions. Their work has laid the foundation for what comes next.
As we face this season of transformation, let us draw strength from the words of Isaiah: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19) This new thing we are building together is rooted in POWER’s founding mission: to organize people of faith to act boldly for justice.
For me, this mission is deeply personal. I remember the moment I realized organizing was my life’s work—a moment when I saw the light of possibility for change through community action. That spark lives in me, and I know it lives in you. Together, we must share that light across Pennsylvania. It is up to us.
In the end, the people will save themselves. But only if we act. I invite you to join me in this sacred work of building a Pennsylvania that reflects our highest values: justice, equity, dignity, and love.
We want to build with you. Together, we can create a future where the people will not be defeated.
Thank you for listening. Blessings and peace.
In solidarity,
Rev. Dr. Gregory Edwards
Executive Director
POWER Interfaith
