Dear Clergy,

I know many of us are shocked, concerned and confused by the announcement that ICE could enter churches. We wonder: What does this mean? What, now, are the rights of congregations and clergy? How far can we go in creating safe spaces for immigrants without risking a public scene or even arrest?

This much seems straightforward to me:

  1. The theological issues are clear. In any encounter, we must treat each immigrant as a person created in the image of God and given as much dignity and agency as we want for ourselves. Further, the scriptures are clear that the people of God are to love and serve foreigners, strangers, and immigrants. If you ever need direction, you can do no better than to use Jesus’ command to love our neighbors and our enemies to find a way forward for every legitimate stakeholder.
  2. The political part, on the other hand, is a mess. I have witnessed a whole generation of politicians fail to solve what has been a growing crisis for decades. Neither party is immune from blame in their failure to secure our borders while creating a merciful and simplified immigration policy that assists us in caring for the least of these. Wisdom mixed with mercy, bent in the direction of the needy, is possible. We need to keep pressing for it.
  3. The scary, urgent question is: What do we do if ICE shows up on church property making demands? It depends on the situation. If a known violent criminal or drug smuggler, running from law enforcement, sneaks in the back door and then claims you must protect him, I would, in that case, cooperate with law enforcement. If the person in question is a mom with three kids who fled violence in their home country, I would want to be protective.But let’s role-play a moment:You have what you believe to be a legitimate, needy immigrant family in your church.

    ICE shows up at the door asking to be let in to interview them. Or is it to arrest them?

    You say, “No. The church is commanded by God to care for immigrants.”

    ICE says, “Move aside, or you will be arrested.”

    In that case, you may be called to practice non-violent resistance. But again, the variables here are so vast that each of you will have to decide the best, most ethical course of action. We may have to learn both to lay down our life for others and to trust the promises of scripture: That the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth (John 14:26) and that when we are brought before authorities the Spirit will give us the words to say (Luke 12:11-12).

    Speaking of non-violence, it would do you good to revisit the agape-based ethical brilliance of Martin Luther King, Jr. His non-violent advocacy and resistance are rooted in the spirit and model of Jesus—and Jesus must be the guiding star of our vision, values, priorities and practices for caring for immigrants.

    But what does protective mean? How far can we legally and ethically go to protect someone we believe is in great need? (Because I have not heard a straight answer to this question, you should converse with experts to inform yourself. Ask your local attorney. Find out the vibe and policies of your local police department. Seek advice from local immigration agencies.) Vast complexities arise out of nuanced facts, such as country of origin, immigration and visa status, degree of vulnerability, and more. I cannot command a blanket policy that would accurately anticipate every eventuality.

  4. Take Practical Steps. If you do not have known immigrants in your church or ministry, there are still things you can do to make a difference in this pivotal moment in history:
  • Partner with World Relief and other experts in refugee resettlement.
  • Write to the White House, your senator or representative.
  • Educate your congregation in ways that are biblically/theologically faithful, legally informed and, most importantly, conversant with people who could be affected by these issues.
  • Discover what is happening with specific immigrant families in your city and provide well-informed, targeted assistance. There’s a lot we don’t know politically and legally, but we do know the immigrant community is terrified. Find an immigrant family struggling with what this policy might mean for them, and try to bring pastoral comfort.
  • Discuss these issues and any potential course of action with your key leaders/vestry. There may be a diversity of opinion that you need to work through, and it would be wise for them to know your convictions beforehand.

I know this brief letter is not sufficient for such a huge topic, but many of you have asked me to respond. I will strive to stay informed over the next weeks and months, and I am working to put together an Office Hours with someone who is better informed on these issues than me.

If you find yourself needing specific, urgent counsel, contact me or Bishop Brian, and we will make ourselves available.

The strength and peace of God’s love be with you all,

Todd