Change starts with us. Join the conversation to help save our democracy and shape our future.

FFDI Education Series

Speaking Out for Freedom


Wednesday, Oct. 8

Join Us for a Powerful Conversation

Faith, Humanity, Respect, Freedom, and Democracy

Faith leaders and justice advocates will confront the inhumane treatment in pursuing arrests and incarceration in Florida’s detention facilities, including the notorious “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Join the call to stand for dignity and justice.

October 8th| 7-8:00 PM ET

Faith Leaders Confront Immigrant Detention in Florida

If compassion guides your faith, join us to hear why detention facilities have no place in our communities.

Faith leaders are raising a moral outcry against the systemic cruelty and spiritual harm inflicted by immigrant detention centers. Communities of faith are called to stand in solidarity, to bear witness, advocate, and mobilize for humane alternatives. With a spotlight on Florida’s detention practices, including the notorious “Alligator Alcatraz,” this movement also demands local accountability. In a powerful show of interfaith unity, diverse spiritual traditions are coming together to affirm the dignity and sacred worth of all people.

Faith Leaders Trailer with Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer


Executive Director,

Florida Council of Churches


St. John's Lutheran Church, Jacksonville

Featured Panelists

  • Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer – St. John's Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, FL + Executive Director, Florida Council of Churches
  • Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart – Calvary Episcopal Church, Washington, DC
  • Rev. Arthur Jones, III – Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Fort Myers, FL
  • Betty Osceola - Prayer Walk Leader, Miccosukee Everglades Advisory Committee, Miami-Dade, FL

Moderator: Sandra Viktorova, WGCU Public Media

Please Review before Faith Leaders Program

Trump voter in the Florida Keys says ICE detained a third of his employees at his small roofing company.

Scardina, who has lived in Key West for 44 years and owned the roofing company for 37, explained: “You get to know these guys. You become their friends—not just an employer, but a friend—and then you see what happens to their family. It’s… it’s quite a shock.”

Upcoming FFDI Educational Programs

Happy Birthday Freedom

Protecting Liberty for All.

October 20th | 7-8:30 PM ET

America’s Founding Fathers used civil discourse and shared values to overcome differences and forge the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. The non-partisan Free Society Coalition honors our nation’s 250th by fostering thought and discussion on liberty, responsibility, and individual dignity for all.

Katherine Stewart, Author, Money, Lies and God.


The Interfaith Alliance of SWFL and Americans United for Separation of Church are sponsoring an in-person event with the author, Katherine Stewart, on Nov. 11, from 7-9pm ET, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Naples.


Seats are limited, so register early on Eventbrite to secure your seat and to access the livestream and recording on Floridians for Democracy's YouTube Channel.


Stay informed about important updates on educational programs, new laws, events affecting our democracy, protests, and more by following the Floridians for Democracy Institute Facebook and Instagram.

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