Jesus “went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden which he and his disciples entered. . . . Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and Pharisees, and they came with their lanterns and torches and weapons. . . . Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him came forward and asked them, ‘Whom are you looking for?’ They answered, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus replied, ‘I am he.’ . . . ‘So if you are looking for me, let these men go.’ This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, ‘I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.’ . . . So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him” (John 18: 1–12, NRSV).
Beloved,
ICE is at work all across this country, using its stalk-and-arrest tactics to capture immigrants and refugees without regard to due process and without respect for their God-given humanity.
Today a very informative article entitled “ICE’s Cold Shoulder to Churches” appeared in A Public Witness. I strongly encourage you to read it and share it.
Most importantly, if your congregation has not yet formulated a policy as to what to do when ICE shows up at your church’s door, then now is the time to call your congregational leaders together to formulate and activate your plan.
The article describes what happened at a congregation in Tucker, Georgia, which unfortunately was not thoroughly prepared for what happened.
We will share more information about this strategic matter in days to come. In the meantime, please read this timely article written by Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood.
ICE's Cold Shoulder to Churches"
Grace and peace,
Charles Davidson