Something powerful happened inside our sanctuary on the night of Thursday, March 12.
More than 550 people, Indianapolis neighbors, faith leaders, advocates, and elected officials, filled the pews of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for a landmark public action event organized by the Indy Action Coalition, a grassroots community organization.
It was clear within the first few minutes what the evening’s centering message was, as the continuously chanted words, ‘We Keep Us Safe,’ echoed off the chapel walls throughout the night.
Among those present to hear community concerns and respond to direct demands were Mayor Joe Hogsett, Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal, City-County Councilors Brienne Delaney, Vop Osili, Nick Roberts, and State Senator Fady Qaddoura. Select members of Indy Action Coalition spoke before the crowd on issues such as the threat of ICE enforcement, the housing crisis, rising costs, and the need for continued investment in homelessness initiatives, specifically the multi-million dollar Streets to Home Initiative.
One of the most powerful moments of the night came when our Outreach and Justice Director Shelly Clasen took to the mic to directly ask Mayor Hogsett two ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions. The first being to commit to funding a portion of the $30 million cost of Phase 2 of the Streets to Home initiative in the 2026/27 city budget. To which Hogsett responded ‘Yes.’ Shelly then asked if he would commit to using his influence to assist Streets to Home in partnering with the Lilly Endowment. Again, Hogsett responded with a ‘Yes,’ or in this case an ‘Absolutely.’ Another response that was met with a round of applause.
A final ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ question was asked by another event organizer. Hogsett was asked if he would commit to meeting with the coalition by April 3 to help develop a plan where the city and community organizations can partner together to fill in the gap in needs of the most vulnerable populations, those facing food or housing insecurity. Again, the mayor answered, ‘Absolutely.’
Shelly’s advocacy was a direct expression of the kind of justice-oriented ministry St. Luke’s is called to live out.
And Indianapolis is paying attention to the work being done here. Local and regional media covered the event extensively:
• WTHR - ‘We Keep Us Safe’ public action session pushes for change in Indiana
• WFYI – Indy Action Coalition makes demands of Hogsett
• WISH – TV – Indy Action Coalition calls for housing, not incarceration, for homeless and immigrants
• WRTV – Over 500 gather to discuss protecting vulnerable residents with Indy Action Coalition
• IndyStar – Hogsett pledges money for homeless initiative before hundreds of activists
• Indianapolis Business Journal – More than 500 advocates gather to push elected officials on homelessness, immigration
Hosting this event is not separate from our worship, it is an expression of it. When we open our doors and our hearts to the needs of our city, when we stand beside the vulnerable and demand that those in power do the same, we are living the Gospel.
We thank the Indy Action Coalition for trusting St. Luke’s to be a home to this type of powerful work. We thank every neighbor, member or not, who spent their evening with us. And we thank our own leaders, like Shelly Clasen, who show us what it means to turn faith into action.
This is only the beginning. Click here to register to join or learn more about the Indy Action Coalition. You can also find other ways to serve at St. Luke’s by clicking on the link here.