Click the video above to download and play it in your congregations.

“The Lord our God defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners.” Deuteronomy 10:18-19a

In her video message Bishop Moore-Koikoi proclaimed, “The biblical mandate for how we treat our immigrant siblings is unequivocal for those of us who are disciples of Jesus Christ. We are to welcome the stranger, provide care and compassion for the foreigner, and treat the alien as if they were an angel sent by God.”

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to stand in solidarity with our immigrant siblings. Each of us will embody that calling in different ways, but we all have a part to play.

Here are some ways that you and your church can take action.

Take Action as an Individual

If Your Church wants to offer Sanctuary  

  • Read the National Immigration Law Center’s Fact Sheet to educate yourself on how the rescission of the Protected Area’s policy affects churches that want to offer sanctuary. Worship spaces and church lobbies are not considered a private area and are not subject to 4th Amendment (unlawful search) protections.
  • Post signs around a designed private area of your church, such as an office, that says ICE is not permitted without a warrant. Find an example here
  • Create a plan for how you will respond if ICE agents arrive. Make sure that church staff and leadership are trained on the plan. Learn how to identify invalid warrants, how to document ICE interactions, and how to contact legal assistance.
  • Encourage families at risk to prepare an emergency plan, including gathering important documents (such as identification, birth certificates, and legal papers), designating a trusted contact person and a power of attorney, arranging care for children if necessary, and knowing where to seek help from legal professionals or community resources.

Other ways to Take Action as a Faith Community

Legal Resources:

There is difficult work ahead of us, but the God who calls us to this work will equip us to do the work and to do it well. May God grant us wisdom and courage for the living of these days.