Sanctuary (Everywhere): Equipping our communities with compassion and justice

Equipping Our Communities with Compassion and Justice" details a virtual workshop held on April 30, 2025, aimed at empowering United Methodist communities to support immigrant families through compassionate action and advocacy. Led by Pastor Keren Rodríguez of the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ), the event brought together 17 participants from various United Methodist Conferences, including the Pacific Northwest, Oregon-Idaho, Mountain Sky, and Desert Southwest.

The workshop provided a safe space for attendees to share experiences and strategies, focusing on creating "sanctuary everywhere"—extending beyond physical church spaces to encompass streets, campuses, and entire communities. Key areas of focus included:

Emergency Funding: Establishing funds to assist immigrant families with costs such as U.S. passports for their children.

Rapid Response Teams: Enhancing training and coordination for teams that respond to detentions or deportation threats.

Mental Health Support: Providing workshops to address the psychological toll on immigrants and their allies.

The article also draws historical parallels to the Underground Railroad, emphasizing the church's role in offering sanctuary and advocating for justice. It encourages faith communities to engage in this ministry of accompaniment, reflecting a commitment to compassion and justice in the face of contemporary challenges.

You can read the full article here for more information or to get involved.