Support the Sanctuary Movement

Support the Sanctuary Movement With the resurgence of the Sanctuary Movement, hundreds of congregations are standing in solidarity with immigrants and providing spaces of sanctuary for individuals facing deportation or targeted by hate. The Sanctuary Movement has been lifting up stories of immigrant leaders and people of faith working together to stop individual deportations and demonstrate against mass deportations and …

Church World Service Demands End to Immigration Raids, Calls for Support and Sanctuary to Those Targeted By ICE

News & Updates | Posted Friday, May 13, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Despite continued outcry from faith, immigrants’ rights and community leaders, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials announced their plans to restart raids on Central American families, many of whom fled to the United States after facing extreme violence, persecution and poverty. This latest announcement continues the administration’s enforcement scheme of separating mothers and fathers from their children. Five …

Faith and Immigrants’ Rights Leaders Call for End to ICE Raids, Reiterate Support and Sanctuary to Those Hunted By ICE

News & Updates | Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Just days before the Christmas holiday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials announced their plans to begin raids on Central American families, many of whom fled to the United States after facing extreme violence, persecution and poverty. Faith leaders from across the United States immediately responded in a statement on Christmas Day, offering sanctuary to those looking to …

Over 1,000 Religious Leaders Urge Senators to Stop the Attack on Sanctuary Cities

News & Updates | Posted Monday, October 19, 2015

In response to anti-sanctuary city legislation, religious leaders from many faith traditions signed a letter urging Senators to vote against such legislation WASHINGTON – As the Senate prepares to vote Tuesday on S. 2146, The Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act, more than 1,000 faith leaders from across the United States are asking Senators to reject the bill and …

U.S. Sanctuary Movement Leaders Applaud Pope Francis’s Call for Churches to Take in Refugees

News & Updates | Posted Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Leaders across the United States involved in the Sanctuary movement applaud Pope Francis’s announcement over the weekend for Catholic parishes across Europe to take in refugees. “Faith communities across the United States have answered the call to provide immigrants with sanctuary, allowing them to stay united with their families and communities as they fight their unjust deportation orders,” the Rev. …

Sanctuary Leaders Pray with Sen. McConnell’s Chief of Staff on Immigration

News & Updates | Posted Wednesday, December 10, 2014

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. …

CWS Joins Nationwide Sanctuary Movement for Immigrants Facing Deportation

News & Updates | Posted Wednesday, September 24, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sidney Traynham, 703-909-6934, straynham@cwsglobal.org More information at: http://www.sanctuary2014.org Faith communities across country stand with immigrants despite congressional and administration refusal to offer protection Press call audio: http://sanctuary2014.org/press/sanctuary-press-call.mp3 WASHINGTON — CWS is part of a rapidly growing nationwide movement to provide physical sanctuary to immigrants and their families facing deportation.   The movement has grown from two churches …

Faith in Action: How Religious Communities Have Historically United to Welcome Refugees

News & Updates | Posted Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Throughout U.S. history, faith communities have been at the forefront of welcoming refugees. Across religious traditions, people of faith have worked together to respond to humanitarian crises, guided by shared values of compassion, justice and hospitality. Here are seven powerful examples of interfaith collaboration in welcoming refugees to the United States. Welcoming Refugees After World War II (1940s-1950s) In the …

TAKE ACTION TODAY: Urge Congress to Restore Refugee Resettlement and Asylum Access as the Refugee Act Turns 45

News & Updates | Posted Friday, March 14, 2025

March 17, 2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the day President Jimmy Carter signed the Refugee Act of 1980, enshrining in law a framework for refugee resettlement and the protection of asylum seekers. The Trump administration’s indefinite pause on refugee resettlement and freeze on reimbursements to refugee service providers remain largely in place, and access to asylum at the U.S.-Mexico …

Creating Refuge Amidst the California Wildfires

News & Updates | Posted Thursday, January 30, 2025

Amir Khan, CWS’ Community Engagement Specialist, shares his experience of helping two young Afghan women navigate a harrowing night during the Los Angeles wildfires. This story highlights the challenges refugees face in disaster preparedness and underscores the importance of culturally competent support, as demonstrated by CWS’ inclusive disaster response initiatives.  “You’re safe now.” These are the words that Community Engagement …