Boston, MA — A large coalition of faith groups is challenging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secretary Kristi Noem over the sweeping and aggressive immigration policy that gives free rein to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to conduct enforcement actions in and around houses of worship and other “sensitive locations.”
Plaintiff’s and co-counsel’s quotes are below.
Plaintiffs:
New England Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
“We come to church to experience God’s love proclaimed in Jesus Christ and not to experience a raid by armed members of the government. The New England Synod participates in this lawsuit in solidarity with all those who are harmed by this cruel policy reversal that has turned our houses of worship into theaters of governmental intimidation and violence,” said Bishop Nathan Pipho, New England Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Greater Milwaukee Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
“We are witnessing an unprecedented assault on religious liberty, as ICE raids have created a climate of fear and division, preventing people of all faiths and citizenship statuses from gathering for prayer and receiving vital services. Silence in the face of such oppression is simply not an option,” said Bishop Paul Erickson, Greater Milwaukee Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Southwest California Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
“The word ‘sanctuary’ has always meant a place of refuge and safety. The federal government is trying to change the very definition of what a worshipping community offers to people by removing protections from police actions. As people of faith, we cannot abide losing the basic right to provide care and compassion. Not only are our spaces no longer guaranteed safety, but our worship services, educational events and social services have all been harmed by the rescission of sensitive space protection. Our call is love our neighbor, and we have been denied the ability to live out that call,” said Bishop Brenda Bos, Southwest California Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Sierra Pacific Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
“The very essence of our practice of faith is at stake. We cannot be the church when the government interferes with our interpretation of Jesus’ command to love our neighbors. There is nothing more central,” said Bishop Jeff R. Johnson, Sierra Pacific Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Pacific Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
“‘Welcoming the stranger’ and loving our neighbors has been a part of our religious practices for nearly 400 years. We miss our Friends who are afraid to come to meeting because of raids in the neighborhoods and targeting of black, brown and people who speak several languages in our neighborhoods,”said Robin DuRant, Clerk of the Pacific Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
Alliance of Baptists
”Raids on Houses of Worship desecrate sacred spaces, violate religious freedom, and spread fear among those seeking peace and refuge. These sanctuaries have long offered welcome, safety and spiritual nourishment to all. To invade them with the threat of state violence is a moral failure and a betrayal of constitutional and sacred values alike. Such acts send a chilling message, that no place is safe and that immigrants, refugees, and the marginalized can be targeted even in the house of God. These actions defy the teachings shared across faith traditions: to welcome the stranger, seek justice, show mercy, and extend hospitality. We must resist any policy or practice that turns sanctuaries into sites of surveillance and fear. These raids dishonor our deepest convictions and undermine the dignity, freedom, and compassion on which a just society must stand,” said Rev. Lisa Dunson, Alliance of Baptists, President, Board of Directors
Metropolitan Community Churches
“This lawsuit is not about providing ‘sanctuary’ to criminals seeking to avoid arrest,” said Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, global moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches. “We must act to protect the integrity of sacred spaces and the ‘religious liberty’ on which the Far Right hangs its hat far too often. No government should take action that discourages or prohibits freedom of assembly to worship and observe religious rites and deeply-held faith traditions. We pray – in both the spiritual and legal contexts – that U.S. Federal Courts will act to restore safety and sanity by voiding this unjust policy.”
Co-Counsel:
Democracy Forward:
“Raids in churches and sacred spaces violate decades of norms in both Democratic and Republican administrations, core constitutional protections, and basic human decency,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “Faith communities should not have to choose between their spiritual commitments and the safety of their congregants. Democracy Forward is honored to be alongside these religious leaders in court. We will not give up until this unlawful and dangerous policy is struck down.”
Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
“The right to worship freely, without government interference, is at stake. This policy reversal threatens the sanctity of all houses of worship and the religious values of people of faith everywhere. WLC proudly stands with our clients to ensure that the Constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom is upheld,” said Ryan Downer, legal director, Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
Gilbert LLP
“The First Amendment is the cornerstone of American democracy. It protects the sanctity of worship, which is the very essence of religious freedom. Our firm is proud to join with our co-counsel in representing religious groups who seek protection from ICE enforcement actions at or near their houses of worship. Everyone deserves to feel safe attending worship services,” said Sonia Murphy, Partner, Gilbert LLP