Por Jennifer Hawks, directora de Promoción de la CBF
“How can I help with CBF’s lawsuit?” is a regular question I get from our pastors and lay leaders who want to make sure they are doing everything they can to love their immigrant neighbors. Caring for immigrants and refugees is deeply rooted in the life and ministry of many CBF partner congregations. The lawsuit* has strengthened our public witness and deepened relationships between many of our churches and their local immigrant communities.
Although advocacy through litigation offers fewer opportunities for direct engagement than legislative advocacy, here are three ways we can all support the lawsuit.
1) Join CBF’s day of prayer for our immigrant neighbors: Wednesday, May 6.
On Wednesday, May 6 at 9:00am in Richmond, VA, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit will review our injunction. Please use this day as a day to pray for our immigrant neighbors wherever you are. Specifically, we call on members within the Fellowship to pray:
- For the litigation process: “Lord, honor the faithful work of our legal team at Democracy Forward. Give them clarity of thought and ability to recall answers when asked questions by the judges. We pray that the 4th Circuit panel will see the wisdom in the injunction and leave it in place throughout our trial.
- For protection and dignity for impacted migrants: “Lord, I pray that any decision would honor the full humanity of those affected — families, workers, and vulnerable communities. Safeguard their dignity, safety, and access to places of refuge, support, and hope.”
- That peace will overcome fear in immigrant families and communities: “Lord, I pray that in the midst of anxiety and uncertainty, immigrant families and their communities would experience a deep, abiding peace that quiets fear. That they would know they are not alone, and be surrounded by presence, care, and hope.”
- That churches will remain places of welcome and freedom of conscience: “Lord, I pray that congregations can continue being communities of refuge and grace, free to live out their calling with courage and compassion. That their religious liberty to respond faithfully, according to conscience, in accompaniment with migrants would be protected.”
If you live in the area, consider stopping by Richmond’s First Baptist Church between 9:00am and 12:30pm on May 6. As a CBF partner church located near the courthouse, FBC invites you into its courtyard to pray for our immigrant neighbors. Prayer stations will be set up, but there will not be a formal program so you may come whenever your schedule permits. Park along Monument Ave. or in the Robinson Lot to allow easiest access to the courtyard.
2) Utilize our resources: How CBF’s Immigration Injunction Protects Your Church.
How CBF’s Immigration Injunction Protects Your Church is a collection of resources to explain our injunction and help your church start the conversation on how to prepare for and respond to an ICE visit to your church. The resources include a 3-part video series, discussion guide with some next steps, other tips and sample church policies. These resources will help each CBF partner congregation understand the religious freedom underpinnings of the injunction and be better prepared if ICE comes to church.
The immigration resources webpage also contains the sample flyer (in English and in Spanish) you can post on the church door to notify immigration agents of the injunction. The webpage also has a copy of the injunction that everyone should know how to find quickly. If you are a pastor or church administrator at a CBF partner congregation, complete this form to make sure we have the most accurate addresses for your church.
If you know or suspect that ICE has been at a CBF church, fill out this form to let us know.
3) Give to CBF and the Offering for Global Missions.
CBF takes seriously the biblical command to welcome the stranger. Immigrants pastor our churches, sit in our pews and participate in our ministries. Immigrants are part of the very DNA of CBF. Financially supporting the work of CBF as well as the Offering for Global Missions ensures that our Christian community can continue worshipping together, serving one another and leading at the intersection of faith and immigration.
*Last year, CBF joined a group of Quaker and Sikh plaintiffs to protect our religious freedom and obtained a preliminary injunction which prevents the Department of Homeland Security from using our houses of worship to enforce immigration law. The lawsuit is ongoing. The 4th Circuit will hear oral arguments on DHS’s appeal of the injunction on May 6. The injunction will remain in effect unless it is specifically revoked by a court.
Led by the love of Christ, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship invites churches and individuals to partner in transforming God’s world, working together as a global community to spread good news, justice and hope through impactful ministries, missions and resources.