A Pastoral Letter from the Clergy of Grace Episcopal Church

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

We write to you in response to recent changes in immigration policies in our country. Scripture calls us, time and again, to care for the immigrant and the stranger in our midst. In the book of Deuteronomy, God commands, “You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (10:19). Jesus makes this call even more personal, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). At Grace, these words are not abstract ideals. They shape who we are as a community, especially because many of our own members are immigrants.

 

Last week, new federal guidance expanded the circumstances under which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents can operate, including in schools and churches, and around public spaces. This raises concerns for places like our Food Pantry, where people often gather outside. As clergy, we want to respond with both clarity and compassion, ensuring that Grace Church remains a place of safety and welcome for all.

 

Here’s what we are doing:

• We are developing educational materials for our employees and volunteers, prioritizing building and Food Pantry staff. We are also working to schedule a speaker with immigration expertise who will lead an open workshop to train anyone with interest about rights and responsibilities when interacting with ICE.
• We are working closely with the Food Pantry to assess what operational changes might safeguard our community.
• We are setting up structures so that if ICE does come to Grace Church, we have trained individuals who can respond to and document their visit.
• We are clearly marking which areas of our church are public and which are private, thereby limiting the spaces ICE officers can visit without a judicial warrant.
• We are continuing to offer confidential pastoral support for individuals experiencing fear or trauma relating to immigration issues.
• We are using our clergy discretionary funds to assist families in emergency.
• We continue to engage with diocesan and regional networks to advocate for humane immigration policies.

Here’s what you can do:

• Continue to support the solidarity of this community. If you have never been to the 8:45 a.m. La Gracia service, now is a good time to come. Learn one another’s names. Welcome one another as Christ welcomed us.
• Continue to uphold the ministry of this church. The Food Pantry is fortunate to have many excellent teenage volunteers; adult volunteers to support them are welcome right now.
• Educate yourself about this issue.
• Pray for the vulnerable, for one another, and for this country.

Jesus teaches us hospitality, love, and compassion. We know you will join us in extending those virtues to all those who come to our church.

 

Yours in Christ,
Anne Turner+
Emma Brice+
Santiago Rodriguez+