A. One of the core promises of our baptismal covenant is to “persevere in resisting evil.” We understand that as a call to stand in resistance to the systemic evils that oppress and marginalize any member of our human family – including but not limited to racism, sexism, nativism, homophobia, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Grounded in our baptismal promises, our resistance to public policies that perpetuate those evils is how we put our faith into action in the world. 

A. Multiple policies are being implemented simultaneously—a shock and awe approach that impacts our communities across all different circumstances and statuses. In response, Sacred Resistance has been organizing, reorganizing, and expanding our work to support families in various situations.

Our comprehensive approach spans from pastoral care to direct accompaniment, from organizing and coalition building to direct action with interfaith partners. We accompany people to court hearings and ICE check-ins, bearing witness throughout these experiences.

Because we serve a diverse and extensive diocese covering wide terrain, 2.0 represents our understanding of how to operationalize grassroots activity across the entire diocese—recognizing that this work is happening everywhere simultaneously.

There are multiple opportunities to get involved with the Sacred Resistance movement.

• Sign up for our Action Alerts

• Make a tax-deductible donation

• Apply to become a volunteer

• Join an action with our allies

A. A sanctuary diocese is a designation that reflects a commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals and communities in need, particularly those who are marginalized or vulnerable. This term often refers to the practice of offering protection and resources to immigrants, refugees, and others facing persecution or injustice. Within a sanctuary diocese, faith-based organizations and congregations work collaboratively to create inclusive spaces, advocate for social justice, and ensure that the rights and dignity of all individuals are upheld. The ethos of a sanctuary diocese is rooted in compassion, solidarity, and a shared responsibility to care for one another, embodying the values of faith and community in the face of adversity.

A. Being in the U.S. without proper documents is a civil offense, not a criminal one. It is simply not a crime to be undocumented and describing any immigrant as “illegal” is legally inaccurate. In becoming a Sanctuary Diocese we join with the growing number of cities, colleges and communities of faith declaring themselves sanctuaries and stand ready to challenge the unjust targeting of immigrant members of our communities. 

A. The resolution explicitly calls for resistance to policy proposals to target and deport millions of undocumented immigrants and to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. It further calls for connecting with other local and national sanctuary communities and institutions, immigrant rights groups and coalitions, and engaging in educating, organizing, advocacy, and direct action, and other methods as deemed appropriate in each context, to ensure the safety and security of those targeted due to immigration status.

It urges congregations and institutions to discern how they are called to serve as places of welcome, refuge, healing, and offer forms of material and pastoral support for those targeted by hate for any perceived status of difference and that we work alongside our friends, families, and neighbors to ensure the dignity and human rights of all people – by sacred resistance when necessary. 

If it comes to that, we expect that there will be congregations which would choose to live into the resolution by providing physical sanctuary. Others will provide a broad range of support including legal assistance, material support and pastoral care.