Good trouble, holy ground: Rediscovering the sacred roots of resistance.
by Suzanne York
March 25, 2026 3 mins read
A recent gathering at the First United Methodist Church in Pasadena offered something many in today’s climate are searching for: a way forward rooted in hope, faith, and action.
The event featured Maddie and Patrick Briggs, co-leaders of the San Gabriel Foothills Indivisible Group, a grassroots coalition of residents from across the San Gabriel Valley committed to protecting democratic institutions and advocating for justice. The couple was introduced at the event by church members Minister Jill Shook and her husband, Friend Anthony Manousos, who opened the conversation with a simple but powerful question: What is advocacy?
Audience members spoke of standing against injustice, engaging leaders, and driving change. Shook linked advocacy to faith, noting that biblical teachings center on justice for the vulnerable and that Jesus modeled nonviolent resistance.
“This is what informs us and inspires us,” Patrick Briggs said.
Rev Amy Aitken, Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, remarked, “As people of faith, we are deeply committed to both the spiritual and social well-being of our neighbors. In a world where the loudest voices encourage distrust, division and even hatred in our community, our Christian faith calls us to offer witness to compassion, service and advocacy on behalf of those who are most vulnerable. First United Methodist Church seeks to be a place of sacred worship, deeply grounded in the teachings of Christ, passionately committed to the well-being of our nation and community.”
Transitioning from these foundational commitments, the Briggs team reflected on their personal journey into advocacy. For them, this journey began decades ago.
“We started paying attention around 2000. We all know what happened then,” Maddie said, referencing a civic turning point. She described her own evolution.
“I used to think everything was taken care of, but I began realizing that part of my belief system came from my own privilege.”
Bible in One Hand, Newspaper in the Other
Their message: democracy requires participation. “It only works when you participate in it,” Maddie said.
The couple described how faith deepened their civic involvement. At All Saints Church, they found spiritual grounding and a sense of social responsibility. Phrases like “God cherishes you” and guidance from rector Ed Bacon to “keep your Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other” encouraged both reflection and action.
Drawing from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, Patrick read from the Baptismal Covenant, which asks believers to serve others, strive for justice and peace, and respect the dignity of every human being.
“This is what fundamentally grounds us in this civic work,” they explained.
At the same time, the Briggs team emphasized humility.
“We noticed growing self-righteousness in the movement,” Maddie said. “We realized we need to be more graceful.” Patrick added, “Don’t get ahead of the Holy Spirit. We see ourselves as catalysts and facilitators, often asking: ‘How do you need us?’”
A Congregation Finds Its Prophetic Voice
The Briggs advised direct engagement: meet people where they are.
“You can’t go in thinking you’re a savior,” they said. “Just show up.”
The conversation also connected advocacy to longstanding faith traditions. One attendee described the approach as “very Wesleyan,” referencing the teachings of John Wesley, founder of Methodism, who emphasized both personal piety and firm convictions in social justice while remaining in relationship with those who disagree.
Adding historical context, Manousos shared reflections on Palm Sunday peace parades, which commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as a nonviolent act of resistance. Today, these processions continue as both spiritual observances and public demonstrations for peace and justice, linking ancient traditions with modern movements.
The work of the San Gabriel Foothills Indivisible Group reflects that same spirit. As part of a nationwide network, the organization focuses on civic engagement, voter education, and accountability of elected officials, while emphasizing nonviolence, inclusivity, and resilience.
Photo: Suzanne York
‘No Kings 3,’ March 28, 2026
Upcoming local actions include the “No Kings 3” rally on March 28 at Pasadena City Hall and the peaceful Palm Sunday protest on March 29, focused on corporate accountability. Both events aim to bring community members together in visible, collective action.
For the first No Kings Protest last June, organizers reported that more than 5 million people attended more than 2,500 events. Four months later, more than 7 million came to at least 2,700 protests nationwide. For this Saturday, more than 3,100 separate events have registered. The flagship event will be in Minneapolis, where residents demonstrated their willingness to stand up and fight back.
Ezra Levven, co-founder of the nationwide Indivisible, was quoted on a recent Rachel Maddow Monday newscast, “No Kings is an extremely important tactic that can bust through the bubble, that air of inevitability that Trump, that this regime is invincible, is unstoppable, is all-powerful. You don’t look all powerful when you’re facing the largest non-violent protests in American history, in every nook and cranny in the country.”
Throughout the evening, the main message was this: hope becomes real through collective action, rooted in faith and community, even in uncertain times.
As the civil rights leader John Lewis once urged, “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
In Pasadena, local faith leaders and advocates are responding to this call with purpose, humility, and determination, illustrating that meaningful change is achievable.
DEETS
‘No Kings 3’ Saturday, March 28, 2026, in front of Pasadena City Hall at 12:00 p.m.
A march from Pasadena City College to Pasadena City Hall will leave at 11:00 a.m.
Peaceful Palm Sunday protest, March 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Target Store, 777 Colorado Blvd. Organized by groups including CLUE and Greater Los Angeles Mennonite Action, this nonviolent event focuses on corporate accountability.
The short URL of this article is: https://localnewspasadena.com/w3n3
Suzanne York
Suzanne York is a retired PUSD teacher, a member of The Pasadena Environmental Advisory Commission, the Hahamonga Watershed Park Advisory Committee and a board member of Altadena Music Theatre. She is an avid community supporter.
