Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
-Exodus 22:21
Moved to tears with the stories of family separations, deportations, and overall fear within the immigrant community, the leaders of our Sierra Pacific Synod invite and encourage congregations, lay leaders, and pastoral leadership to speak up against the escalating terror. Many of our congregations have already started to take a stand against these unjust policies through offering sanctuary, AMMPARO advocacy, and other forms of accompaniment and solidarity, some of which you can find in the resolution our Synod Assembly passed in 2017.
The ELCA social message on immigration invites us to see newcomers as our neighbors. It also reminds us that Lutherans have historically been in the forefront of welcoming refugees and immigrants, and that we have a powerful voice that can help transform our society from one of fear of the stranger, to one where the stranger is welcomed and celebrated. After all, as followers and disciples of Christ, we believe wholeheartedly, ‘the stranger is, our brother and our sister.’
As ICE escalates its dreaded task of arresting and deporting many of our immigrant neighbors who reside in this country without documents, we remember the courageous witness of the Hebrew midwives. May we become prophetic voices that stand in solidarity and loudly denounce unjust and inhumane policies.
UniLu is a sanctuary for people in all kinds of need. The church can witness in different ways the love and presence of the one who was a refugee and an immigrant himself - Jesus Christ. May the example of Shiphrah and Puah inspire us to protect families, children and the powerless, when the secular authorities demand that we forget that they are children of God as well.
Jesus Christ, our teacher of mercy, you who were a refugee and had to flee from your homeland due to persecution, bless those who are now escaping violence and extreme poverty. Open our hearts so that we may welcome them into our hearts, our communities of faith, and our society. Inspire our leaders to strive for justice, peace, and generous policies toward the least of these, your little ones, the migrants, the refugees, and the children.
Four Basic Rights Every Immigrant has in the USA
(Taken from LIRS Know your Rights Presentation)
The police have permission to enter your home only if:
If you are arrested:
Other Resources
The ELCA social message on immigration invites us to see newcomers as our neighbors. It also reminds us that Lutherans have historically been in the forefront of welcoming refugees and immigrants, and that we have a powerful voice that can help transform our society from one of fear of the stranger, to one where the stranger is welcomed and celebrated. After all, as followers and disciples of Christ, we believe wholeheartedly, ‘the stranger is, our brother and our sister.’
As ICE escalates its dreaded task of arresting and deporting many of our immigrant neighbors who reside in this country without documents, we remember the courageous witness of the Hebrew midwives. May we become prophetic voices that stand in solidarity and loudly denounce unjust and inhumane policies.
UniLu is a sanctuary for people in all kinds of need. The church can witness in different ways the love and presence of the one who was a refugee and an immigrant himself - Jesus Christ. May the example of Shiphrah and Puah inspire us to protect families, children and the powerless, when the secular authorities demand that we forget that they are children of God as well.
Jesus Christ, our teacher of mercy, you who were a refugee and had to flee from your homeland due to persecution, bless those who are now escaping violence and extreme poverty. Open our hearts so that we may welcome them into our hearts, our communities of faith, and our society. Inspire our leaders to strive for justice, peace, and generous policies toward the least of these, your little ones, the migrants, the refugees, and the children.
Four Basic Rights Every Immigrant has in the USA
(Taken from LIRS Know your Rights Presentation)
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You have the right to see an arrest warrant.
- You have the right to speak to a lawyer.
- You have the right to make a phone call.
The police have permission to enter your home only if:
- They have a warrant, you’ve given them permission, or there is an extreme emergency situation.
If you are arrested:
- Remember your rights.
- Remember that you have the right to ask to be released on bond.
- Do not give any information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Remind your family, because they will ask your family members questions, too. If you have any undocumented family members, advise them not to come to the jail or detention center to visit you. They could be detained too.
- Ask to see attorney immediately.
Other Resources
- Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
- Presiding Bishop Eaton’s statement on children in detention
- South Bay Sanctuary Covenant and UniLu have been connected since the 1980s.