Meeting the moment
We have been here before.
As Unitarian Universalists, we honor what our ancestors have always done in urgent times—shepherd people to safety (sanctuary) and advocate for justice (resistance). As Unitarian Universalists, we understand our thriving to be bound up with that of all of our human siblings and creation. We do the work of Sanctuary and Resistance because until all of us are safe and free, none of us truly are.
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis has been formally committed to this ministry since the 1980s. And here we are again. Meeting the moment. Now our UU faith calls us into active solidarity with immigrants, trans and gender-expansive folx, and people who are losing access to reproductive care.
If you are one of our church members or an attendee, we count you as part of this work simply by being a part of our church. If you are feeling called to join us now, we hope you will answer that call and show up in the way that is most meaningful to you.
Photo courtesy of a First U member
We have long been a part of a vast web of faith communities and organizations partnering with targeted communities who need immediate and short-term assistance. We follow the leadership of these communities, providing the supports and presence that they request.
Together, just we can do so much. Every dollar you contribute or volunteer hour you offer can help us meet the ever-expanding needs to of those moving to or traveling to the Twin Cities for healthcare and safety by:
- Reducing relocation costs,
- Helping cover rent, groceries, health care expenses as folks get on their feet,
- Covering fees for acquiring new documents and registrations once they’re here,
- Purchasing reproductive health care supplies to be shared at church,
- Contributing to attorney fees,
- Providing low- or no-barrier small grants to individuals to navigate unforeseen emergencies along the way.
This is work that brings Unitarian Universalism to life in the wider community, and in the hearts, spirits, and bodies of those of us who engage with it. We are always stronger together in this work. Will you join us?
Select “Give to Sanctuary and Resistance Fund” in the dropdown menu
Three streams of action
Immigration Justice connects with community partners to accompany those most impacted by systemic injustice; providing sanctuary with personal and financial support for housing, legal services, meeting daily needs, etc; and offering resistance through immigration system education, court witnessing, legislative advocacy and more.
Community Partners:
UU Partners:
Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA)
Unity Church-Unitarian
Interfaith Partners:
Asylum Coalition for Transition-TwinCities
Creekside UCC
Minneapolis Immigrant Allies Coalition
Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community
Secular Partners:
ICOM:Minnesota Coalition on Immigration
UNIDOS-MN
Advocates for Human Rights
CAIR:City(Mpls)Immigration&Refugee Services
MN Immigrant Rights Action Committee
Volunteer Lawyer Network, and individual lawyers
Trans Refuge works collaboratively with local organizations and faith communities to assist trans kin coming to the Twin Cities for safety. We connect people to critical resources for housing, moving, transportation, and job search support. We facilitate connections between individuals and trans organizations that can help them navigate a new life in Minnesota and find meaningful community.
Community Partners:
Pink Haven Coalition
Shir Tikvah
OUTFront MN
Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA)
Reproductive Justice provides onsite birth control, pregnancy tests, and emergency contraception at our church in South Minneapolis. We also offer age-appropriate, comprehensive sex education programming for first graders through elders.
Community Partners:
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Just The Pill
Our Justice
Family Tree Clinic
Our history
On Sunday, February 19, 2017, members of First Universalist Church voted unanimously to approve a resolution for a radical vision of sanctuary—that we will act to support and protect those who are increasingly targeted because of their marginalized status in the U.S. We do this by providing physical sanctuary if necessary, offering space for organizing, and/or showing up in solidarity when asked. This commitment to Sanctuary and Resistance is a powerful and tangible way to act out our faith and Side with Love.
Resolution Regarding Sanctuary Church
Whereas, the principles of Unitarian Universalism call us to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person and to seek a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; and
Whereas, our Unitarian Universalist roots remind us of our moral responsibility to welcome and care for the immigrant, the stranger, and the most vulnerable among us; and
Whereas, in June 2015 the congregation of First Universalist Church approved by resolution and publicly declared its commitment to continue the fight for Racial Justice through education, advocacy, self-reflection, and relationship-building; and
Whereas, in 1984, in response to actions of the United States government in Central America, First Universalist declared itself to be a Sanctuary Church and provided temporary housing and refuge to several Central Americans fleeing terrorism in their home countries; and
Whereas, President Donald Trump’s issuance of an Executive Order on “Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements” on January 25, 2017, attempting to ban immigration from seven predominately Muslim countries, demonstrates that the President intends to carry out a campaign to discriminate against Muslims, immigrants, and refugees;
Therefore, be it resolved that we, the members of First Universalist Church, publicly declare our intent to be a Sanctuary Church, to provide such support and refuge to immigrants, regardless of their legal status, as the Senior Minister deems appropriate, with periodic reports by the Senior Minister to the Board of Trustees regarding actions taken pursuant to this resolution. And further, that we dedicate ourselves to educate and activate our congregation, to amplify and respond to the voices of immigrant leaders, and to speak out against discrimination toward any and all marginalized people.
Unanimously passed at a Special Meeting of the Congregation on February 19, 2017