
Faith-based communities unite against the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, rallying to protect vulnerable immigrant families.
Quick Takes
- Religious leaders convene in Newark to oppose mass deportations and safeguard “sensitive locations.”
- Cardinal Tobin emphasizes Catholic care for vulnerable communities, including immigrants.
- Faith-driven actions include encounter, accompaniment, prayer, and advocacy.
- Faith leaders advocate for maintaining protections at churches, schools, and hospitals.
Faith Leaders Gather in Newark
More than 35 religious leaders from diverse faith backgrounds assembled in Newark to address the anticipated mass deportations under President Trump’s immigration policies. This significant gathering, organized by Faith in New Jersey and Faith in New York alongside the Archdiocese of Newark, witnessed participation from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders expressing deep concern for immigrant families facing potential separation. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin shed light on the Catholic tradition that encourages caring for immigrants, urging continued solidarity and action.
The religious gathering’s objective was to outline actionable steps the communities can take, focusing on encounter, accompaniment, prayer, and advocacy. These efforts seek to ensure that places like schools and churches remain “sensitive locations,” offering safe havens for immigrants. Bishop Mark J. Seitz called for opposition to any policy changes that might endanger these spaces.
Solidarity and Support
In an emotional display of solidarity, immigrants shared their fears about leaving their homes due to possible arrests. Rev. W.J. Mark Knutson of Portland plans to provide sanctuary at Augustana Lutheran Church. He stresses that these sacred spaces must stand against unjust laws, urging for theological resistance against government policies.
“Theologically, we’ll stand our ground against the government – an unjust law is no law at all. These are sacred spaces.” – Rev. W.J. Mark Knutson
Clergy members vow to maintain support for undocumented migrants even if new policies permit arrests at places previously considered secure. They argue these actions would fundamentally conflict with religious tenets. Meanwhile, faith leaders across the country, including Rev. Robin Hynicka of Philadelphia, advocate for broader policy changes and protect their immigrant congregants.
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A Nationwide Movement
Religious communities across the nation are mobilizing against President Trump’s immigration crackdown. Faith leaders strongly oppose the potential rule changes that threaten the refuge historically provided by religious entities. Imam Omar Niass offers assistance at Masjid Ansaru-Deen in the Bronx, maintaining faith over policy changes.
“Intimidating God’s people in their temples, schools, and hospitals would not be a good use of the law. If the administration overturns sensitive location policy, we should oppose this with our prayer and fasting. We have to raise our voices.” – Bishop Mark J. Seitz
Bishop Ebli De La Rosa expressed concerns about the devastating impact on churches with undocumented pastors and members. The Archdiocese of Newark, which serves over 1.3 million Catholics, has a deep involvement in missions and ministries, further highlighting the importance of offering sanctuary and support.
Sources
1. Faith Leaders Unite to Oppose Mass Deportations, Vow to Protect Immigrant Families
2. Trump won’t ban immigration arrests at churches. Now clergy are weighing how to resist