Clergy declare Birmingham houses of worship ‘sanctuary’ for immigrants

Latest

The Rev. Dave Barnhart and the Rev. Jennifer Sanders of Birmingham, AL are among the signers of a letter declaring their houses of worship to be sanctuary for immigrants.
PHOTO/ GREG GARRISON, AL.COM

 
Editor’s note: After 680 immigrants in nearby Mississippi were arrested in a raid, over 50 Birmingham, AL, clergy and activists decided what they will do if raids come to their city. Below are excerpts from their statement:
To the People of Birmingham and Neighbor Communities
From Concerned Clergy, Faith Leaders, and Faith Communities of Birmingham
“Though we represent diverse theological perspectives and traditions, our mutual commitment to the sacred and ethical treatment of our neighbors transcends boundaries: we believe in loving our neighbors as ourselves . . .
Our faith communities have watched with growing astonishment the racist, xenophobic, and violent rhetoric from our national leaders . . . [and] we are appalled by the hostile policies applied to immigrants and asylum seekers. . . .
“To that end, we affirm that:
• Our houses of worship will be sanctuary for those seeking refuge. . .
• Those of us who cannot safely offer sanctuary will actively and intentionally support those who do open the doors of their houses of worship to provide sanctuary to those . . . targeted by immigration enforcement operations. . . .
• We will take action and speak out when ICE raids target our neighbors. . .
• We also call on our elected city and county officials to refuse to comply with federal infringement on the rights of our neighbors . . . we call on Sheriff Mark Pettway to no longer detain community members without a warrant or transfer them into ICE custody.
We stand firmly on our scriptures and our traditions that this witness is necessary, timely, and in keeping with our faith.”

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Another Big Beautiful Betrayal for Rural America

You slash Medicaid, you’re swinging an axe at the heart of our rural hospitals, community clinics, doctors and nurses — and every family that depends on a job for a living. It’s not too late to raise hell.

ICE Terror Campaign Threatens Us All

Several recent Facebook reels show how ICE is ramping up its campaign of terror against immigrants, citizens and protestors alike as the effort to create a police state continues and resistance grows. One creator speaks to the significance of Haitians now being targeted.

Medicaid Defenders in Wheelchairs Arrested Ahead of Senate Budget Vote

Over 60 people, including grandmas in wheelchairs, were arrested in the U.S. Senate Rotunda in a nonviolent protest against cuts like Medicaid and the SNAP food program in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Budget Bill.”

Zohran Mamdani Delivers Stunning Blow to ‘Billionaire-Backed Status Quo’ in NYC

New York City proved that a movement powered by hope, courage, and working class people can beat the money of billionaires.

The American People Want Peace, Not War!

The US's immoral and illegal attack on Iran threatens the whole world with war. The American people have a special responsibility to come out into the streets and rein in the US government, which has become a rogue state.

More from the People's Tribune