Standing on the Side of Love and Justice

UU's from around Puget Sound supported Veronica Noriega as she engaged in a fast to draw attention to the suffering of her family and the millions of others caused by our cruel immigration practices. She camped outside the Northwest Detention Center, risking arrest and deportation, and fasted from Sept. 2 through 9, prior to the deportation hearing for her partner, Ramon Mendoza Pascual. Mr. Mendoza Pascual, who hasn't been able to hug their three children for a full year, was one of the key leaders in last spring's hunger strike. He fasted for 50 days, almost all in solitary confinement. The encampment took an enormous volunteer effort to ensure the safety of Ms. Noriega. The support began with and Interfaith Blessing Service organized by a UU in which Rev. Linda Hart from Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation and Rev. Carol McKinley from the Olympiya UU Congregation took part. Shown in the photo above are four of the active UU volunteers. From the left are Bob Blauvelt and Alix Clarke, part of the group from the Vashon Island Unitarian Fellowship that visits the families of detainees each month; Jolinda Stephens, Washington Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice; and Roberta Ray of University Unitarian Church. Roberta Ray supplied the candles for the vigil the first night of Mr. Noriega's fast. They were from a store of candles used at the GA vigil in 2012 outside Tent City in Phoenix. #TimeisNow #Not1More