Numerous faith leaders across the U.S. say the immigration crackdown launched by President Donald Trump’s new administration has sown fear within their migrant-friendly congregations.
The Rev. W. J. Mark Knutson looks at a map of Oregon hanging above a bed at the Augustana Lutheran Church during a tour of the church on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Portland, Ore.
A sign reading"Augustana is a Sanctuary" is displayed on a door at the Augustana Lutheran Church, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. During the first Trump administration, that commitment included sheltering an immigrant from deportation while he went through a successful process to obtain a visa.
“More than scary, it’s sad,” Dutan said. “I feel very bad for my people because they have a lot of fear in their heart.” A New York City mosque, Masjid Ansaru-Deen in the Bronx, has opened its door to migrants, providing shelter to some, said Imam Omar Niass. He said many are from his homeland of Senegal.Citing his faith, Niass said he’s not worried about the policy change.
In response, he said, his diocese “will continue to educate our faithful on their rights, provide legal services and work with our community leaders to mitigate the damage of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.”, joined the leaders of the Catholic Health Association of the United States and Catholic Charities USA in a statement Thursday lamenting the policy change.
Pastor Maria Elena Montalvo, who leads Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Los Angeles suburb of Bell, said she and her community are facing intense anxiety in the wake of the policy change. Montalvo’s recites her favorite Bible verse from Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus tells his followers to welcome the stranger and care for the marginalized.Elsewhere in greater Los Angeles, the Rev. Canon Jaime Edwards-Acton is co-chairing the Sanctuary Task Force at the Episcopal diocese.
David Hollenbach, a Jesuit priest and Georgetown University professor with expertise in religion, politics and humanitarian crises, said there is a long tradition in Christianity and other faiths that religious communities can be sanctuaries for people in grave need.
U.S. News Jaime Edwards-Acton Ethnicity Peter Smith Mark J. Seitz Brent Leatherwood Holly Meyer Manuel Rodriguez Robert Jeffress Race Joseph Dutan David Hollenbach Robin Hynicka Maria Elena Montalvo Omar Niass Donald Trump Claire Rush Religion
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