By The Rev. Kelly D. Bayer Derrick, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Roanoke 
Originally published in the Virginia Synod’s newsletter “The Virginia Lutheran,” June 2026 

Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, 

and for the rights of all who are vulnerable. 

Speak out in order to judge with righteousness 

and to defend the needy and the poor. (Proverb 31.8-9 CEB) 

Jesus commands us, God’s people, to love God and to love our neighbor. Jesus’ call is more than find words; Jesus’ call to love include action! We are called to love in ways that impact the real, daily lives of ourselves and others. One of the ways that I live out God’s command to love in action is by advocating with legislators in the General Assembly – using my voice to speak out on behalf of the voiceless, for the rights of all who are vulnerable, in order to defend those who are needy and living in poverty. 

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) is the largest nonpartisan, interfaith advocacy organization in Virginia and a national model of high impact, multifaith collaboration, bringing together people of all faiths and goodwill to advocate for justice, equity, and common good across the Commonwealth of Virginia. VICPP serves as the ELCA state public policy office in Virginia, bringing Christian values to help guide policy toward justice and peace. I have seen many of you also advocating with VICPP Day for All People at the GA each January. 

I have the great honor and privilege to serve as the Chair of the Board for VICPP. I am so very thankful for and proud of the people-centered way Virginia Interfaith addresses matters of justice. Even while focusing on policy advocacy in the GA and civic engagement around the Commonwealth, people are behind, beside, and in front of every policy issue we undertake. Most significantly, all the people whose lives are impacted by and transformed by the policy work we advocate together. Also, all the people – of goodwill and many faiths – across the Commonwealth who work together for the wellbeing of all Virginians. 

The work of VICPP strengthens my belief that we live as people of hope! That life today can reflect God’s commands to love God and to love our neighbor. That people can actually work together in respect and dignity – even when we disagree – and can have a positive impact on the wellbeing of all people. That hope is alive for transformational economic, racial, and social justice!  

The people and congregations of the Virginia Synod are invited to learn, pray, and act with Virginia Interfaith by becoming an advocate, member or congregational liaison, or signing up here for the weekly newsletter.