This is who we are, not simply what we do.

Beloveds—thank you! We have already raised over 3K to support our efforts to expand and deepen our Sanctuary and Resistance efforts via this year’s Give to the Max campaign. That’s AWESOME and we are reaching towards 10K. This is especially important as our staff and volunteer team work to settle our newest family, a mom and 3 month old baby (with outrageously fabulous cheeks). We had open space for only one week before we were at capacity again!

Give now and help us meet our match from the First U board!

We’ve sheltered two babies, three young children, six parents, and one young adult so far this year alone. Many in the church have said yes to meeting various needs of all our beloveds by supplying help and services such as moving furniture, food, diapers, supplies, transportation, childcare, legal fees, job hunting, and healthcare. We collaborate as much as possible with other faith communities, organizations, and individuals—all while following the lead of those in sanctuary for their own well being.

On the resistance side? Within our congregation, we’ve provided education and action opportunities, including:

1. The recent UNIDOS-MN Upstander Training for more than 100 participants.
2. “Responding to the Anti-Trans Movement” course offered through MUUSJA alliances with fellow UU churches, Transforming Hearts and others.
3. Immigration court observers in partnership with Advocates for Human Rights.
4. Participation with ICOM (Interfaith Coalition on Immigration) for vigils at the Whipple Federal Building. Note: First Universalist will be organizing the December 9th, 7:30-8:30 a.m. vigil.

We’ve been here before.
The Sanctuary and Resistance Team began during John Cummins’ ministry at First Universalist, focused then on asylum seekers and immigration. The threat is higher now, and we’re experiencing trans refugees seeking shelter and services across state lines in Minnesota.

We can’t do it alone. “We work with other UU churches in support of trans and immigration justice. Teaching, supporting, sharing info – we are very much seen as a committed, solid resource for other faith communities to align with,” says Jeanne Guignon, long-time member of the S&R team. “And we have tremendous congregational support that’s multi-generational. From RE youth to older members, people respond to donate money, paint, move furniture, shop, provide transportation and so much more.”

The Sanctuary and Resistance team is also highly connected with other groups and networks: lawyers, funders, the legislature, and advocacy groups. For immigrants and asylum seekers, we work with partnering organizations skilled in the legal process. Because trans refugee work is relatively new, folks find us mostly through word of mouth and through newly formed grassroots organizations. We are breaking new ground to find trans refuge partners.

This is who we are, not simply what we do.
At the start of the year, Jen Crow challenged the team with the question, “Why do this work in a church?” The Sanctuary and Resistance team’s newly created vision distinguishes our work from a nonprofit organization or secular group.

Rooted in our Unitarian Universalist values of love, justice, and interdependence, we work to deepen a culture of mutual care within our congregation and extend that care outward in bold solidarity. We strive to increase safety, support, and access to resources for immigrants, trans and gender expansive people—especially those seeking refuge or community in Minnesota. Together, we practice resistance through relationship, learning, accompaniment, collective action, and spiritual practices.

More than simply doing good from a church, sanctuary and resistance work provides another way to manifest some of our larger spiritual values and sacred practices. Every meeting begins with chalice lighting and spiritual practices. The team is committed to ongoing learning through the IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory). Together, the S&R group also studied the book, Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection.

We offer deep gratitude to the congregation.
The Sanctuary and Resistance team is deeply grateful for how our congregants have answered invitations to engage in the work. With generosity, humility, and responsiveness, it’s clear they are holding this work as sacred.

Many in the church community are eager to help periodically. The need could be more towels, chairs, a countertop appliance—you never know. It may be the invitation to join us at the December 9th vigil at the Whipple Federal Building. The vigil is one way to be out in public and advocate for immigration justice with prayer, music, and a show of solidarity. And to give to our Give to the Max Campaign! Together, we’re working to build beloved community within our congregation as well as the larger world.