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EDSD: A Sanctuary Diocese

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 

In December 2024, Bishop Susan Brown Snook joined fellow faith leaders in Arizona by signing the collective statement on the treatment of migrants. In their statement, these leaders decried deportation practices that threaten the sanctity of families, compromise religious liberty by targeting places of worship, and deter individuals from seeking vital services. Acknowledging both the legitimate authority of nations to regulate our borders and the urgent humanitarian concerns of those fleeing crisis, the signatories collectively insist that policymakers and enforcement agencies uphold human dignity. 

The recent reversal of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) sensitive locations policy, which previously protected places like churches and hospitals from immigration enforcement actions, has validated legal concerns for religious communities, as raised in the statement signed by Bishop Susan. 

What does the Episcopal Church believe about migrants? 

The care of migrants is deeply rooted in the biblical mandate to love and serve others, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized. Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to welcome the stranger, care for the sojourner, and show hospitality to those in need (Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:18-19). Jesus’s Great Commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39) expands this call to radical compassion and selfless service. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus reminds us that our neighbor is not limited by borders or identity but anyone in need of mercy and care. In our baptismal covenant, every Episcopalian commits to “respect the dignity of every human being.” As Christians, we are called to embody Christ’s love by advocating for and ministering to migrants, recognizing their inherent dignity as children of God, and responding to their needs with justice, kindness, and open hearts. 

In 2017, as deportations and public debates intensified, the clergy and lay delegates of our 44th Diocesan Convention recognized a need for a public stance. The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego passed Resolution 17-05, declaring itself a “Sanctuary Diocese.” The resolution stated that the diocese would stand alongside undocumented immigrants, oppose large-scale deportations, and encourage all diocesan congregations to explore becoming “sanctuary congregations and institutions.” While Resolution 17-05 did not require uniform action, it does encourage each church community to discern its capacity and calling around a shared moral and theological imperative: to protect and uphold the worth of every person, regardless of immigration status. 

What does the law allow Episcopal churches to do? 

With the advent of the new Federal Administration, the legal context is rapidly changing. As of January 2025, California’s California Values Act (SB 54), for example, limits cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. It prevents most local entities from assisting with federal immigration enforcement unless specific conditions are met. While this doesn’t exempt churches from federal enforcement, it creates a more protective environment. 

Religious groups can also invoke federal and state religious freedom protections, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which prohibits government actions that unduly burden religious practice. This may be a basis for legal challenges against DHS enforcement if it interferes with worship or other religious activities. 

Churches are not generally exempt from complying with the law. Church communities may wish to make plans today to prepare if immigration or law enforcement officials attempt to enter church property.   

Generally, law enforcement officials have a right to enter public areas, even public areas of a church campus. To enter non-public areas, law enforcement, including immigration enforcement officers, need either consent or a judicial warrant.  Parishes should consider determining who has the authority to give consent and training volunteers and staff on procedures such as who to admit.  A “judicial warrant” will typically have the name of the court across the top of the page and be signed by a judge or magistrate.  Parishes may also wish to consider what is a public portion of their campus and post notices restricting access to non-public areas.  An area may be public at certain times and non-public at other times.  Much of this is fact specific.  Merely posting a sign that an area is non-public, but not acting consistent with that posting, may not be sufficient.  If federal agents arrive with a properly signed warrant from a judge, churches cannot lawfully deny them entry. Congregations can refuse entry to law enforcement officers who do not present a judicial warrant.  

Church staff and volunteers should also remember they have a right not to speak with law enforcement personnel. To the extent they speak, they should remember they must be truthful.  False statements to Federal officials can be a crime.   

What should Episcopal churches do? 

The Diocese encourages congregations—who are willing—to partner with immigrant rights groups, legal aid providers, and national coalitions to defend vulnerable populations. Some resources are provided below. 

In addition to legal responses, religious communities can mobilize to raise public awareness and lobby for stronger protections. Efforts might include hosting workshops on immigration rights or advocating for broader policy changes. If your congregation would like to host a workshop on the subject, please contact Robert Vivar, EDSD’s Border and Migration Missioner, at rvivar@edsd.org. 

Policies have continued fluctuating at state and federal levels. Our commitment remains steadfast. Whether elected officials change or enforcement priorities shift, our core commitment endures: Episcopalians in the Diocese of San Diego will strive to respect the dignity of every human being with God’s help and honor Jesus’s command to love our neighbors. 

Resources: 

CA Attorney General’s Office: Provides resources and legal standards in California 

AZ Attorney General’s Office: Provides resources and legal standards in Arizona 

Al Otro Lado: Provides direct, free legal services on both sides of the US-Mexico border. 

Episcopal Migration Ministries: Provides education for congregations advocating for the protection of migrants and refugees.  

Immigrant Defenders Law Center: Provides legal support to unaccompanied children, asylum seekers, detained community members, and deported veterans. 

Jewish Family Services: Provides food, transportation, health services, case management, and legal services to migrants. 

Refugee Net: Provides refugee families with academic support for kids, weekly food distribution, case management, and job development services. 

Via International: Provides leadership development to migrants and asylum seekers to promote sustainable development in under-resourced communities. 

Vida Joven: Provides life-changing care for orphaned children in Baja. 

Welcome Ministry: Provides ESL, laundry service, and food distribution to immigrants, refugees, and unsheltered of the East County. 

 

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Category: #Advocacy, #Migration

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One reply to “EDSD: A Sanctuary Diocese

  1. Hannah Wilder | on January 30, 2025

    Thank you for this important and timely information. I will share it with our congregation who is already asking how to help.

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