Rev. Jennifer Copeland, executive director of the North Carolina Council of Churches (File photo)
Faith leaders in North Carolina used a virtual press conference Wednesday to condemn recent federal immigration enforcement actions that have disrupted daily life for immigrants and their families across North Carolina.
More than 250 people have been arrested since the operations began, and the faith leaders said their congregants have said they’ve avoided going to work, school, and even church services out of concern they could encounter federal agents.
Clergy from the state’s mainline Protestant and interfaith communities called this week’s enforcement actions “harmful” and “devastating.”
“We are not a small minority,” said Jennifer Copeland, executive director of the North Carolina Council of Churches, which includes clergy from 19 denominations. “Millions of church members stand behind these speakers that you’ve heard today.”
Bishop Emily Hartner of the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America framed the situation in religious terms. “We draw on Jesus’s greatest commandment to love God and love our neighbor. And then the parable of the Good Samaritan, where the question is, who is my neighbor?
“When we answer that question, our Lutheran answer is, everyone is our neighbor,” Hartner said.
Speakers said some congregants have been so afraid of the enforcement activity that they have skipped church services altogether amid reports of federal agents stationed near bus stops, parking lots, and residential neighborhoods.
“Wave after wave of the way our government is functioning is doing real harm to ordinary people,” said Bishop Ken Carter of the United Methodist Church.
Rev. Amanda Weatherspoon of the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte said congregations were coordinating with local organizations. She cited efforts with immigrant advocacy groups Siembra N.C. and the Carolina Migrant Network to train volunteers, share information and accompany families who feel unsafe leaving home.
Still, the faith leaders said they recognize the limits of offering protection. On whether churches might revive sanctuary practices — temporarily sheltering immigrants inside houses of worship — several noted that the legal risks had changed in the years since such movements gained national attention.
The Trump administration has also rescinded a long-standing “sensitive locations” policy that had generally barred immigration agents from taking enforcement actions at places of worship, hospitals, and schools without prior approval.
“I know that many congregations are reviewing updated legal policies around harboring and protection,” said Weatherspoon. “They are assessing what is possible and most helpful to fully protect immigrants and safeguard our congregations from legal proceedings amid these changes.”
David Smith, clerk of the North Carolina Fellowship of Friends, representing the state’s Quaker community, framed the debate as a test of core values. “We believe there is that of God in everyone. Every person on this soil must be afforded dignity, respect and due process,” he said.
Hence then, the article about north carolina faith leaders condemn federal immigration crackdown was published today ( ) and is available on NC news line ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( North Carolina faith leaders condemn federal immigration crackdown )
Also on site :
- My Daughter’s Friend Has a Crush on My Husband. It’s Making Us Both Deeply Uncomfortable.
- Maga’s biggest fear is coming true and Trump won’t survive it
- Manchester United vs Newcastle Prediction: Heavyweights Meet in Premier League’s Only Boxing Day Clash