A faith-based coalition of more than 100 member congregations in Minnesota that serves as a vehicle for congregations, clergy, and people of faith to act collectively towards racial and economic equity in the state of Minnesota. ISAIAH has taken the lead in organizing Minnesota’s Sanctuary Network.
A congregation that has agreed to create a space of refuge for immigrant individuals and/or families that are in immediate danger of deportation. Such persons are allowed to reside in a Sanctuary Congregation’s place of worship for an undetermined amount of time while the Community of Sanctuary (Sanctuary Network) works on the Stay of Removal orders for each person.
- A congregation that agrees to support Sanctuary Congregations, to the degree that is within its power, with needs such as resources (monetary aid, food, clothing, toiletries, health & medical support, legal support, entertainment, toys, reading materials), physical presence (families in sanctuary are never to be the only people in the building), prayer, spiritual support, etc.
--There are 16 congregations signed on as Sanctuary Churches through the ISAIAH Sanctuary Network so far (including Church of All Nations and Macalester Plymouth – both part of our Presbytery).
--There are 12 congregations signed up as Sanctuary Support Congregations.
--If the 16 Sanctuary Churches fill with immigrants, they will need support from other churches.
--A Sanctuary Church in Saint Paul has housed a couple of families for a short time while they got their papers in order and then were able to return home.
--Officials have been in the streets and at the doors of homes in areas of the Twin Cites where a high number of Latinos live.
--At a recent get-together of persons from congregations in Roseville, we learned that at least two Roseville churches have sizable Spanish-speaking congregations on site, some of whom are likely undocumented. Very often children are citizens, and undocumented parents who have outstayed their visas are at risk for being deported. They need some time at least to make up a “power of attorney” letter for someone to take care of their children. Sometimes, those at risk simply need time to gather documents and get legal help to stay, which is very difficult to do from prison.
Churches, along with schools and hospitals, are considered “sensitive” places into which immigration authorities do not enter, at least under current policy.
The situation is evolving. And each case is different. There are many unanswered questions, and as we find answers to those questions, more will arise. ISAIAH suggests we not approach it as a social service provider or a lawyer, which we are not, but rather as a faith community, which we are. Ultimately this will be a decision informed by our best knowledge but made with our hearts. It is something we are called by our faith to do. As is stated in ISAIAH’s materials, there is no scripture that says: “Wait here while I get all the information.” The need is now.
Because they feel called by scriptures such as these:
• “Remember that you were once strangers in a strange land and you must welcome the stranger as an expression of faithfulness” (Leviticus 19:33-34)
• “…do good, seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17)
• "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind and your neighbor like yourself" (Deut., Matthew, Mark)
• "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of the unseen.” (Hebrews)
• “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)
• “…from everyone to whom much has been given much will be required…” (Luke 12:48)
Yes, and in fact it started in a Presbyterian Church. Southside Presbyterian Church, Tucson, Arizona, is referred to as the birthplace of the sanctuary movement because of its work with Central American refuges in the 1980s. Many other Presbyterian Churches, as well as other denominations, have provided sanctuary over the years since then.
--It is consistent with our faith (see above scriptures).
--It is consistent with New Life’s mission. We are a congregation “Daring to live in Jesus’ transforming love.” The Church & Society Committee feels strongly that providing support for sanctuary is a daring act of love like the love Jesus has for the world.
--It is consistent with our denomination. We are a part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) which has a long history of supporting its churches who provide sanctuary for families threatened to be torn apart by deportation. Our PC(USA) Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson has recently spoken out in support of our churches providing Sanctuary to those facing deportation.
--There is a current need in our community.
--Make a commitment. A suggested commitment statement came from ISAIAH, but we can use our own words. A suggestion is to distill the commitment to its essence:
“New Life Presbyterian Church confirms that as a congregation of people of faith, we will provide Sanctuary Support to Sanctuary Congregations in the ISAIAH Minnesota Sanctuary Network. To the degree that is within our power, we will provide prayer, time, resources, money, advocacy, relationship, and fellowship as needed.”
--Church & Society Committee would let ISAIAH know that New Life Presbyterian Church has signed on to be a Sanctuary Support Congregation in the Sanctuary Network organized by ISAIAH.
--Church & Society would form a team of interested persons in our congregation, several of whom you see here tonight: Warren, Sheryl, Mari, Pam, and Jan. The team would work with ISAIAH and our congregation to respond to identified support needs of Sanctuary Congregations.
Click HERE to download this Q&A sheet
