Rev. Noel Andersen of CWS joins clergy and family members of those living in sanctuary in a prayer vigil in the office of incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Photo: CWS
Photos available for press usage at: http://tiny.cc/McConnell-Sanctuary
Clergy and family members from Sanctuary congregations are available for interviews in Washington, D.C. through Thursday midday.
WASHINGTON – As House Republicans vote overwhelmingly to deport immigrant families, clergy and family members of those living in sanctuary held a prayer vigil on Wednesday in the office of incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Clergy and family members of undocumented immigrants facing deportation – some who have been living in sanctuary for more than 100 days – shared stories, prayers and hymns with Chief of Staff Brian McGuire to urge Sen. McConnell to support immigration policies that keep families together and protect immigrants from deportation, including President Obama’s recent executive action.
“The power of our public witness for those living in sanctuary was made real today in Sen. McConnell’s office. We were very grateful for the opportunity to meet with his Chief of Staff, Brian McGuire,” said Rev. Noel Andersen of Church World Service. “We had the opportunity to share stories and our faith about why we need Sen. McConnell’s support for immigrant families across our nation.”
For the past six months, congregations across the country have opened their doors as a last resort for immigrants to permanently live in churches as they face deportation orders.
“We’re hoping that Sen. McConnell’s office will urge the Administration to withdraw Luis’ deportation order, and will protect executive action from bills that would undo it,” said Mayra Cristal Rodriguez, wife of Luis Lopez who has been living in sanctuary in Phoenix, AZ for nearly 100 days.
Some of the families present during the prayer vigil may be directly impacted by President’s executive order offering temporary deportation relief from deportation. Others may not, but will continue to urge both the Administration and Congress to do their part to protect families and reform unjust immigration policies.
“Jesus came to us as a human being so that we could know God’s love. Our job as people of faith is to share that love,” said Rev. Mark Knutson, Augustana Lutheran Church, Portland, OR. “It’s why we went to the halls of Congress today – to speak out alongside those who are the most vulnerable, those who are pushed into the shadows – so that all may truly be free.”
Family members and clergy have traveled to Washington, D.C. from Tucson, Phoenix, Portland, Denver and Philadelphia and will be meeting with officials from the Department of Homeland Security tomorrow morning.
Quotes from other participants in the prayer vigil:
Rev. Jim Wiltbank, St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church, Tucson, AZ:
“President Obama says Francisco can be with his family. Now, we need someone to sign the paper so he will actually be with his family. Until that day, we will keep him safe in Sanctuary.”
Chris Freeman, First Unitarian Society of Denver, CO:
“We were in DC today for our leaders to hear the pain and suffering of those who are in deportation proceedings. While they listened to us, we’ll know they really heard us if they take action. Now is the time.”
Maria Turcios, mother of Angela Navarro in sanctuary, Philadelphia, PA:
“Angela has been in Sanctuary for 23 days. I came to D.C. to close her deportation case. It was a successful visit because we shared the stories of our families and told the Senator’s office what we need him to do. Now they really have to think about what to do – because we didn’t come as individuals, we came as a community.”
Clergy and family members from Sanctuary congregations are available for interviews in Washington, D.C. through Thursday midday.
For profiles on those living in sanctuary: http://tiny.cc/Sanctuary-Profiles
Photos available for press usage at: http://tiny.cc/McConnell-Sanctuary
For more information on the Sanctuary movement: http://sanctuary2014.org
Contact: Sidney Traynham, 703-909-6934, straynham@cwsglobal.org