No Kings II on October 18th

‍We invite people of all faiths and beliefs to be among the millions of Americans to show up on October 18th for No Kings II.  No Kings II builds on the first No Kings in June when over 5,000,000 Americans took to the streets to peacefully demonstrate their support for democracy and protest authoritarianism. People of diverse faiths and beliefs from Hawai’i to Maine showed up to say, with one voice, that the United States is NOT a theocracy or dictatorship.

We’re mobilizing again on October 18th for No Kings II, carrying on the legacy of people of faith who have used non-violent protest to stand up to authoritarianism and attacks on civil rights throughout our country’s history. This is our moment to carry on that sacred tradition. Interfaith Alliance invites you—faith leaders, congregations, and people of moral conscience—to join the  national day of action on October 18th to uplift the values our traditions uphold: justice, freedom, and the dignity of every person.

Together, we will declare:

• No leader in America is a king.
• Protest is an integral part of religious freedom
• We will not bow down and worship any leader.
• The United States is a democracy, NOT a theocracy or dictatorship.
• We will not allow faith to be weaponized against anyone.
• Every person holds inherent worth and dignity.

‍Resources

• Anti-Authoritarianism Messaging Guide
• Organizing a Pre-Protest Faith Gathering
• Know Your Rights Resources
• De-escalation Resources

Want to learn more about No Kings? Listen to our interview with Leah Greenberg of Indivisible from No Kings I and find out why No Kings is the right response.

‍How to Participate

You don’t need permission to act. You just need to begin. Here’s how:

‍1. Join a No Kings event and show up for Democracy‍

Join or help organize a local No Kings event on October 18th. March, pray, speak, or stand with others in your town or city to demonstrate that people of faith and moral courage are rising together to protect democracy. You can find ideas for rally signs here.

‍2. Host a Faith Gathering the Morning of No Kings on October 18th‍

Before joining your local No Kings action, gather with others in your local faith community—clergy, congregants, and spiritual seekers—for a time of reflection, prayer, or ritual. Whether on the steps of your house of worship or in a public square, begin the day grounded in your tradition, united in collective purpose. Find tips for organizing a gathering that fits your community below.  This can be with your own faith tradition or in partnership with neighboring communities.

‍3. Lift Up Your Witness‍

Make signs that share your religious, spiritual, and moral resistance to kings and for democracy. Wear religious garb when appropriate. Share photos, prayers, and reflections, and be sure to tag @intrfthalliance on social media. Your story helps amplify this movement and inspires others to act. Check out our Faithful Anti-Authoritarianism Messaging Guide here for ideas.

Authoritarianism thrives in silence—but our faith calls us to speak. On October 18th, let’s raise our voices in defiant hope and public solidarity. Join us in proclaiming No Kings! And be part of Faith Rising for Democracy

‍The Faith Gathering Toolkit: A Spiritual Prelude to No Kings I

In addition to the main event, we encourage people of faith and moral conscience to begin the day by coming together for an interfaith gathering — grounded in diverse traditions, united in conviction, and prepared to take public action.

Whether your gathering is large or small, formal or informal, this is an opportunity to root your participation in spiritual intention. From porches to parks, living rooms to sanctuaries, these moments of reflection and solidarity give us courage, remind us that we are not alone and that our values transcend any one voice or institution.  Bring your spiritual and religious convictions to share on why you are saying No Kings, and yes to diverse, and welcoming democracy.

Planning Your Gathering

A pre-rally gathering can be as simple as lighting a candle and reading a short reflection, or sharing a prayer and walking together. The purpose is to begin No Kings on October 18 with courage, clarity, and community.

• When and Where
  Plan to gather on the morning of October 18 in any meaningful space—your front steps, a garden, a nearby bench, or a place of worship.

• Who to Invite
  A few friends, fellow congregants, neighbors, or local partners—whoever may be moved to show up.

• How to Frame It
  Keep it heartfelt, simple, and invitational. Let people know this is a short time to pause, reflect, and commit before the public action begins.

Sample Gathering Flow

1. Welcome
   One person opens the gathering and briefly shares its purpose.
2. Shared Reflection or Silence
   A short reading, prayer, or moment of quiet.
3. Brief Testimony or Statement
   One voice offers a few words connecting faith to action.
4. Lean Into Tradition
   Light a candle, join in song, link arms, or read a shared line aloud.
5. Transition to Rally
   Close with intention, then walk or travel together to your local event.
   

Media and Message

• Messaging Help
  For sample language, talking points, and signage ideas, see our Messaging Guide.
• Coordinate with Your Local Rally
  Let local No Kings organizers know your gathering is happening—and invite them to join.
• ‍Make It Visible
  Share photos or quotes and tag @intrfthalliance to help lift up your witness and inspire others.

Authoritarianism thrives in silence—but our faith calls us to speak. On October 18, let’s raise our voices in defiant hope and public solidarity.

Join us in proclaiming No Kings! And be part of Faith Rising for Democracy

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Press Coverage for No Kings & Interfaith Alliance:

"The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, a Baptist minister who heads Interfaith Alliance, a Washington nonprofit, and a member of the No Kings steering committee, said he had helped organizers reach out to religious constituencies who were already vocally critical of the president.... Raushenbush said liberal-leaning organizations such as Indivisible are “recognizing the power of religion — not only the moral power, but also the vision that religion brings.” Indivisible’s co-founder, Ezra Levin, spoke at a Moral Monday protest organized by Barber earlier this month, and groups such as Interfaith Alliance, Raushenbush argued, were a natural fit for a “No Kings” protest." -- Religion News Service

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"Interfaith Alliance engaged with numerous religious communities in advance nationwide day of defiance, urging them to take a stand in the fight. Authoritarianism has long been an affront to religious freedom, and for centuries, the nation has served as a refuge for those fleeing persecution from repressive monarchs. Accordingly, the chance to uplift the values religious traditions uphold “was not a hard sell,” Raushenbush told the Prospect." -- The American Prospect

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"The "no kings" protests come first, and then we do further work for freedom afterwards. We protest to show ourselves that we can. We protest to show others that we do not think that all of this is normal. And we also protest as the beginning of other actions. Whether that be with Indivisible, or Interfaith Alliance, or labor unions, who helped organize; or just with any small initiative where we know something and are together with other people and find ourselves doing something rewarding we weren't doing before." -- Timothy Snyder, No Kings

Social Highlight

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