Standing in Solidarity with Immigrants and Asylum Seekers

Standing in Solidarity with Immigrants and Asylum Seekers

A Joint Statement from the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago’s Peace and Justice, Sanctuary, and Hispanic Affairs Committees, the Antiracism Commission, and Episcopal Charities

As people directly involved in carrying out the social justice commitments of our diocese, we have come together to issue this emergency call to action and to support wholeheartedly Bishop Paula Clark’s courageous pastoral letter from August 1 advocating for our immigrant siblings. We urge all diocesan churches, clergy, and laity to get involved as we redouble our efforts to welcome the stranger, protect the vulnerable, and respect the dignity of every human being.

We invite you to join us in this important work. Let us practice solidarity and build a movement of support. And let’s organize – we need each other!

Here are a few of the concrete ways that you can help:

[Except where links are provided, please send a note to this email address for more information about any of these options]

Accompaniment Ministry – volunteers are trained to accompany immigrants to ICE check-ins, Immigration Court hearings, and asylum interviews.

Rapid Response – teams are trained to respond quickly to requests for help from individuals who are confronted by ICE agents and to document the encounter, especially if the team observes any kind of violence. The team then submits written comments, photos, and recordings to the Family Support Hotline at 855-435-7693.

Court Watch – observe the proceedings at Immigration Court, in-person or online via Webex, and report on your observations. 

Legal Aid – volunteer lawyers are needed to assist asylum seekers with asylum and work permit applications.

Eyes on ICE Network – join a text alert network to monitor ICE activity in our communities.

Witness Wednesdays in Chicago – join fellow Episcopalians at Federal Plaza (210 S. Dearborn St.) every Wednesday from  12:15-12:35 to pray and to be a public witness for justice and dignity for all God’s people, including and especially immigrants who have been disappeared or detained.

Donate – please give to the Sanctuary Committee Emergency Fund for rent support, legal services, and the newly instituted DHS fees of $1,000 for filing an asylum application and $550 for filing a work permit application. (Donate here.)

Hands OFF Chicago – there are many other opportunities for you to take meaningful action. For an excellent summary, see the Hands OFF Chicago website and bookmark it for future use.

In her letter, Bishop Clark said, “Anxiety and apprehension are rampant in our communities, especially those of people of color, who are affected by these threats. People are afraid to go to church, the grocery store, or even to work.” We must respond to the bishop’s challenge: “What can we do, as people of faith, in a system where legal norms are not being honored?”

Likewise, in his Independence Day message in July, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe challenged Episcopalians directly to make our church an “engine of resistance.” He wrote that, “We must see beyond the limitations of our tradition and respond not in partisan terms, but as Christians who seek to practice our faith fully in a free and fair democracy.”

These prophetic words from our church leaders must inspire immediate action. As you take action, please remember to prioritize joy! We will not let fear take over our community.

Sanctuary Committee
The Rev. Canon Sandra Castillo

Peace & Justice Committee
Priscilla Read

Antiracism Commission
Laura Singer and Ida Butler

Hispanic Affairs Committee
The Rev. José Arroyo

Episcopal Charities
Matt Berryman