Religious Leaders to Communities of Faith: Step Up and Fight
Interfaith coalition offers sanctuary and opposition in response to Trump Administration immigration policies.
An interfaith group of local religious leaders says President Trump’s immigration policies raise both political and moral issues. Six religious organizations in the Detroit area and three in Kalamazoo plan to offer sanctuary to immigrants and refugees who fear deportation.
The Rev. Jill Zundell is the pastor of Central United Methodist Church in Detroit. She says communities of faith are essential to the fight for justice.
“Organizing works. Public pressure works. Solidarity works,” Zundell said. “We have a message today for Donald Trump: If you want these families, you’re gonna have to come through us.”
Zundell said her church is already providing sanctuary to an African family of six.
“The righteous side of history is always so clear in retrospect.” — Rev. Louis Forsythe
The group is asking all communities of faith to join an effort to provide either sanctuary or support to families facing deportation.
The Rev. Louis Forsythe is the pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Detroit. He says people must decide what side of history they want to be on.
“The righteous side of history is always so clear in retrospect,” Forsythe said. “But what will future generations say about us if we do not stand on the side of righteousness with those who are being treated so unjustly.”
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has considered buildings used for religious purposes and schools “sensitive locations” where officers should not make arrests or perform searches.
