Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).
As people of faith, we are called to change the way our minds work. Renewing ourselves to the will of God starts with the mind. Once our minds have been transformed, our hearts will be renewed to what our minds know to be true. When our hearts are transformed, then we will be compelled to action.
In our current climate, there has been an increase of hate crimes, racism, and violence against those who fled their countries from war, poverty, violence, environmental disasters, and other tragic afflictions. We are called as people of faith to defend those who are oppressed. Now is the time to join together to stand against these unjust policies that harm our immigrant communities and harshly separate families.
The North Carolina Council of Churches and our partners have launched the North Carolina Sanctuary Coalition. The Sanctuary Coalition is an interfaith network of congregations, organizations, and individuals who stand in solidarity with immigrants and their families, contributing time, resources, and energy to defend against unjust deportation and detention. We have pledged to support our immigrant community by offering physical sanctuary, emotional support and accompaniment, and unceasing advocacy until we achieve justice for all.
The NC Sanctuary Movement is currently:
- Advocating for the six people in Sanctuary around North Carolina so they may return to their families and homes.
- Offering our many resources and best practices of sanctuary to current sanctuary congregations and those interested in offering sanctuary or supporting sanctuary congregations.
- Supporting immigrant-led organizations who know their community best.
- Recruiting many more churches to become a part of this movement by guiding them through the discernment process to become a sanctuary or support sanctuary congregations.
- Staying updated and educated on the ever-changing state of immigration legislation.
If you, your faith community, or your organization feel led to join this movement, sign our statement and then share it so that we all can be part of this vital work. Once we renew and instill our minds with the will of God, our hearts will follow and be transformed, compelling the need for action to defend our immigrants until we achieve comprehensive immigration reform and justice for all.