Faith teachings compel us to create sanctuary -- please read on . . .

In this time of heightened anxiety and fear for immigrant families, the Multi-Faith ACTION Coalition calls on Contra Costa congregations and faith groups to faithfully discern appropriate actions that you may take in support of the Sanctuary Movement and invite you to join other faith leaders at a forum on March 7 (see below).

Our ancient faith traditions recognize houses of worship as a refuge and today communities of faith must stand in solidarity with immigrants and marginalized communities facing immoral and unjust deportation and discrimination policies.
 
When an immigrant resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the immigrant. The immigrant who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the immigrant as yourself, for you were an immigrant in the land of Egypt.  (Jewish and Christian Tradition, Leviticus 19:33-34)
 
The guest is a representative of God. (Hindu Taitiriya Upanishad (1.11.2))
 
It is not for them to pride themselves who loveth their own country, but rather for them who loveth the whole world.  The earth is but one country, and humankind its citizens. (Bahai: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh. P.164)
 
The Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity (www.im4humanintegrity.org/sanctuary/) has resources to help your congregation engage in sanctuary movement. Today there are 4 ways your congregation can help: 1) provide physical sanctuary, 2) offer accompaniment to immigrant families or youth, 3) advocate and engage in networks of protection and 4) rapid response.

Individuals are encouraged to sign the National Sanctuary Pledge: bit.ly/sanctuarypledge.
 
Citing their commitment to “the worth and dignity of every human being,” Mount Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek recently declared their church a Sanctuary Space.  We pray that others will seek God's guidance in discerning their commitment to Sanctuary.

Please check out the link to Sanctuary -- Interfaith Movement above and find out the 4 different ways a faith institution can help.  Attend the Welcoming the Stranger Forum on Tuesday, March 7th.  See information below.

May we all welcome our neighbors!

• What is the lived experience of our immigrant families and communities in these times?
• How do we understand this moment in light of our faith?
• What are the ways faith communities are being called to express welcome and solidarity?

Join us for prayerful reflection, to hear the voices of immigrant workers and families, and to explore the variety of ways faith communities are being called to respond in this era of growing fear and insecurity.

Sponsors: The Faith Alliance for a Moral Economy & EBASE, the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, Monument Impact and First 5 Contra Costa

For more information contact Kristi@workingeastbay.org

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Panel on “The Lived Reality for Immigrants”

• Parent leaders with First 5 of Contra Costa

• Day Laborers with Monument Impact

• Faith leaders serving the immigrant community

Panel on “What does faithful Solidarity Look like?”

• What does our faith say to us? - Rev. Matt Prinz, Ygnacio Valley Presbyterian Church

• Exploring Accompaniment & Sanctuary, Rev. Deborah Lee

• Advocacy at the local and state levels, Kristi Laughlin, EBASE

• Building a Rapid Response Network, David Brazil, Faith Alliance for a Moral Economy