UUA Joins Faith Communities Protecting Immigrants from Deportation
May 10, 2007
Religious leaders from across the country were joined by Unitarian Universalists in announcing the launch of a New Sanctuary Movement, an interfaith coalition that pledges to open their congregations' doors and hearts to immigrant workers and their families on the brink of deportation. Public launch events took place on May 9 in Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Seattle, and New York.Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) President William G. Sinkford sent a statement of support that was read at the San Diego and Chicago interfaith events by Rev. James Grant, Affiliate Minster of First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, and Rev. Nina Grey of First Unitarian Society of Chicago. In his statement Sinkford said, "Grounded in the Unitarian Universalist affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations endorses the New Sanctuary Movement, a movement of prophetic hospitality and public witness to bring about real change in the immigration policy of the United States. The UUA joins other people of faith and conscience in calling for the passage of just and comprehensive immigration reform and an immediate stop to federal raids that separate parents from their children and create a climate of fear and repression."
In San Diego, the story of "Marco" was shared. "Marco" is an immigrant with no Social Security Number, yet he has managed to work his way through college and is now self-employed as a graphic artist. The San Diego Friends Meeting (Quaker) is providing sanctuary for "Marco." Rev. Grant said of his participation in the event, "The inherent worth and dignity of every person compels me to work for human rights for all people, legal or illegal." First Unitarian Church of San Diego is working with Immigration Equality to provide support for a family of children whose parents had to return to Mexico due to deportation threats.
In Chicago Rev. Grey said, in part, "My church in particular, and UU churches generally, have historically witnessed and worked for such rights in the civil rights movement, for worker justice, and for racial justice. We understand that there is a strong component of racism in anti-immigration efforts, and we want to fight racism on every front. We agree with Rev. Sinkford's statement that 'racism has blinded many Americans to what takes places in our own kitchens, workshops and fields,' and that 'For our nation to be whole, we must acknowledge that (the) lives of privilege (of so many of us) are supported in thousands of ways by people whose labor is invisible and whose suffering is hidden.'"
At the Los Angeles event, Rev. Monica Cummings, Minister of First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles, offered a Blessing of Immigrant Families. Cummings said:
"Unknown and Unknowable, Known by many names
No one here chose where they were born
you did not choose to be born beyond artificial boundary called the United States border."My wish and prayer for you, my courageous brothers and sisters, is that you know you are loved by many many people who stand in solidarity with you.
"May you feel the loving presence of God with you, every step of your journey."
The New Sanctuary Movement is a coalition of interfaith religious leaders and participating congregations, called by faith to respond actively and publicly to the suffering of immigrants residing in the United States. Congregations, churches, synagogues, and mosques representing fourteen faith traditions are currently participating. The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations is the first denomination to sign on to the movement at the national level.
The New Sanctuary Movement offers many ways for congregations to be supportive: hosting immigrant families, providing support, signing a pledge, getting educated, engaging in advocacy and witness.
For more information contact info @ uua.org.
Last updated on Wednesday, November 7, 2007.
