Bringing leaders together for the good of our nation.
Congressional Pilgrimages
Inspirational pilgrimages with immense impact.
At FPI, we understand the importance of connecting with our shared values and history. That’s why we invite members of Congress and our community to join us on our congressional pilgrimages. Together, we explore the meaningful places where history was made and reflect on the collective journey that unites us all. Members of Congress have spoken about how impactful these trips are in helping them shape the future.
FPI Pilgrimages
FPI’s pilgrimages are transformative journeys of reflection and unity towards a more perfect union.
34
Congressional Pilgrimages
11
Domestic and international locations
1,000
U.S. Presidents, Members of Congress and their staff, state officials, dignitaries and VIP’s attended
Pilgrimages Overview
What is a Pilgrimage?
In 1998, Congressman John Lewis began leading Faith & Politics Congressional pilgrimages to Alabama to retrace his steps on the anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” which occurred on March 7, 1965. On that day, he led a march of over 600 people across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, to advocate for voting rights. The marchers faced violence as they were beaten and tear-gassed by Alabama state troopers.
Since then, the Faith & Politics Institute has organized annual pilgrimages to Alabama and other domestic and international locations, including retracing immigration journeys to New York and studying conflict mediation in Northern Ireland and South Africa.
These trips have brought together members of Congress, their families, U.S. Presidents, other political and corporate leaders, and students to historic sites where they can learn from the past and draw relevant moral lessons for today’s leadership.
Each year, we create experiences designed to help participants understand the evolution of our nation. The pilgrimages include intergenerational conversations that facilitate the sharing of wisdom among activists, changemakers, contemporary thought leaders in politics, historians, and figures from the arts and entertainment.
Pilgrimages Overview
Explore the past pilgrimages led by the Faith and Politics Institute.
Congressional Pilgrimage to Maryland’s Eastern Shore
The Faith & Politics Institute’s 2021 pilgrimage to Maryland’s Eastern Shore brought members of Congress, scholars, and community leaders together to explore the deep historical roots and enduring legacy of slavery, resistance, and liberation in America.
Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage to South Carolina
The Faith & Politics Institute’s 2016 pilgrimage to South Carolina, led by Representative James Clyburn (D-SC), Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), brought together participants to reflect on the enduring legacy of slavery, racism, and resilience in American history.
Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimages to Alabama
Congressman John Lewis led the Faith & Politics Institute’s first congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Alabama in 1998 and led the pilgrimages annually until his passing in July of 2020. FPI continues to bring Members of Congress, faith leaders, and changemakers together for these powerful journeys through Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma to reflect on the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.
Congressional Pilgrimage to Mississippi
The Faith & Politics Institute’s Congressional Pilgrimage to Mississippi took participants to see the struggles and pain, hope and faith, humility and strength of the people of Mississippi.
Congressional American Experience Pilgrimage to California and the Angel Island Immigration Station
The Faith & Politics Institute’s 2017 pilgrimage to California invited members of Congress and civic leaders to confront the historical injustices experienced by Asian Americans and explore their continuing impact on American law and identity.
Becoming America Pilgrimage – New York City
The Faith & Politics Institute’s 2013 pilgrimage to New York City brought members of Congress and faith leaders into a reflective journey exploring America’s immigrant heritage and the moral challenges of inclusion, identity, and belonging.
American Experience Pilgrimage to Tulsa
The Faith & Politics Institute’s 2021 pilgrimage to Tulsa, Oklahoma, brought together members of Congress and civic leaders to mark the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and reflect on the enduring legacies of racial violence and resilience in America.
The American Experience: The Confluence of Movements
The Faith & Politics Institute’s 2018 pilgrimage to Western New York explored the historical confluence of the abolitionist and women’s rights movements.
Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Memphis, Tennessee
The Faith & Politics Institute’s 2018 pilgrimage to Memphis, led by Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Representative Steven Cohen (D-TN), honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the city where he was assassinated 50 years earlier while supporting striking sanitation workers.
“The camaraderie and discussions with people from different backgrounds on this trip has been truly inspirational. I look forward to joining future pilgrimages.”
Rep. Jay Obernalte
— (R-CA)
“It’s important, in this day and age of division and discord, that we find unity around the common purpose of promoting justice and equality for all Americans. That’s what Faith & Politics does.”
Rep. Terri Sewell
— (D-AL)
“My most significant takeaway from this pilgrimage is the power of individual people who have come together to create amazing change. It doesn’t take superheroes.”
JP Neri
— (Cohort 4 JRL Scholar)
“When I go home I’m going to take away a lot of important experiences, I’ve been challenged to think about how I move forward in my life and in the workplace as a leader.”
Veronica Mak
— (Cohort 3 JRL Leader)
“I’ve been honored to be a part of the community here this weekend, to learn, to grow, to challenge myself and be challenged by others.”
Chan Park
— (Microsoft)
“The pilgrimage had a profound impact on me and my family. If you have an opportunity to participate I would highly recommend it.”
Jeff Jones
— (H&R Block)
Leave Your Legacy
“Every generation leaves behind a legacy. What legacy do you want to leave behind?”
— John Lewis