On Tuesday over two dozen Christian and Jewish denominations filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security alleging that its threat to raid Churches looking for “illegals” disrupting religious worship constituted a violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.
The action cites an instance when ICE agents tried to break into a Georgia church during worship to arrest a man, wife and three children who had a court case for asylum pending and who had complied with ICE check-ins. Plaintiffs include, Presbyterians, the UCC, Methodists, Baptists, Quakers, and several rabbinic conferences.
As the complaint states, such enforcement actions will violate the sanctity of worship and “destroy all sense of safety in what is supposed to be a peaceful and holy space.” We condemn such actions against churches in countries such as China and Pakistan. Have our leaders now become the new Nero throwing Christians to the lions?
Prayer for the Day
Founded by people seeking religious freedom,
We wonder how those principles can be violated;
Alarmed by threats of invading our houses of worship,
We ask how we are to protect our religious freedoms.
Strengthen our resolve, O God, so we stand against tyranny,
Against those forces that strive to destroy our faith.
In the name of the One who strengthens us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
As faithful adherents to the teachings of Jesus Christ, we assert out divinely mandated responsibility to safeguard and nurture all children of God. The spiritual well-being and freedom of worship are fundamental, non-negotiable tenets of our faith.
Rev. Carlos L. Malave, President, Latino National Christian Network
Churches are and have always been places of prayer, solace, and safety since the time of Jesus Christ; this does not change with any new emperor, king, or president.
Laura Everett, Massachusetts Council of Churches
You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven.
Jesus in Matthew 5: 14-16