Rector's Note: Resources for Prayer and Action-2.5.25

In my Rector’s note a few weeks ago, I quoted the Rt. Rev. Rob Hirschfeld’s call for clergy to be prepared to lay down their lives in order to “stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable.” Since then, hundreds of bishops have provided their own guidance on how to take direct action to protect people under threat of ICE arrest and detention.

Last Saturday, 154 bishops, including our own Rt. Rev. Daniel Gutiérrez, released a letter calling for “people of faith to stand by your values and act as your conscience demands.” In it, the bishops called for:

• The immediate suspension of ICE and Border Patrol operations in Minnesota and in any community where enforcement has eroded public trust.

• Transparent, independent investigations of the people killed.

• Elected officials of our nation to remember the values that we share, including the rule of law.

I have also found the writings and statements of individual bishops, including the Rt. Rev. Marianne Budde, bishop of Washington, D.C.; Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe; and Bishop Gutiérrez, to be helpful at this time.

What does it mean for people of faith to act as our conscience demands?

For many in Philadelphia, that means preparing to take to the streets to defend neighbors who might be targeted in a potential ICE surge. Hundreds of people have been detained by ICE in the region, including Parady La, a Philadelphia resident who died in the hospital after being detained by ICE. At a recent prayer service in Norristown, I was told that more than 170 people have been swept from the streets in that area in recent months.

In the region, local people of faith have been gathering weekly for 40 weeks of prayer for peace and compassion for immigrants in the wake of ICE crackdowns. The interfaith vigil is on Wednesdays at noon in front of the Philadelphia ICE Office, 114 N 8th Street in Philadelphia.

In Norristown, a weekly interfaith prayer vigil is being held on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. In recent weeks, the service has been held at the Reformed Church of the Ascension, United Church of Christ. But in upcoming weeks, it is expected to be held outdoors on the corner of Marshall & George streets in Norristown when the snow is fully removed. Sign up here to receive updates on this effort. I plan to attend these weekly vigils as my schedule allows.

St. Peter’s webpage will be updated soon with information on trainings, prayer opportunities, and resources on our Faith in Action page.

Meanwhile, the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania has created a web page of resources with information including:

• Know Your Rights flyers (available in multiple languages) outlining steps to take in three situations: ICE at your home, ICE at your place of employment, and ICE encounters in the community

• A Know Your Rights wallet card for personal use: There are actual red cards available, but the printable cards are good to keep on hand continuously at your church

• DIOPA signage for placement at building entrances and windows (suitable for printing, enlargement, or yard signs)

• A guide for churches on supporting and protecting those they serve during outreach and community programs

• A peaceful protest and de-escalation guide, including additional resources

As people of faith, we are called to bring peace, justice, compassion, and moral suasion into our civic discourse and action. Even the most quotidian actions, from bringing food to the Food Cupboard and Community Fridge to praying publicly, have impact when they resist bigoted narratives that harm our neighbor.

St. Peter’s will continue to uphold our parish’s commitment to the vulnerable and follow the guidance of our faith leaders to bring light and peace into the chaos of this dark time.