Adam Russell Taylor, with contributions from: Jim Simpson, Terrance R. McKinley, Melody Zhang, Paola Fuentes Gleghorn, Rose Marie Berger
Yesterday’s inauguration felt like a hopeful and dramatic reset: President Joe Biden’s inaugural address called for an end to “this uncivil war pitting red-versus-blue, urban-versus-rural, liberal-versus-conservative;” Kamala Harris became the first woman, the first Black person, and the first Indian American to be sworn in as vice president; and Amanda Gorman, the brilliant young poet, reminded us that “ being American is more than a pride we inherit, it’s the past we step into and how we repair it.” And before his first day in office ended, Biden signed 15 executive actions (and two additional directives), including orders to expand coronavirus relief, rejoin the Paris climate agreement, and reverse the travel ban from several Muslim-majority countries, among others.
It was a stunning preview of how character, honor, and integrity matter immensely for presidential leadership. I pray that in the days ahead, the Biden administration will demonstrate that good governance, sound management, and bold policy change also matter.
I believe fervently in the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said that “the church is not called to be the master or servant of the state, but to be the conscience of the state.” In that vein, we will be neither chaplain nor sycophant to our new political leaders. Instead, we seek to be a faithful conscience, serving as a bridge-builder and offering prophetic critique (and pressure) when necessary.
Below are some of our hopes for the new Congress and presidential administration. This is not an exhaustive wish list; it’s a list of what we believe is both possible and necessary in the days and years to come.
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