Sanctuary & Resistance Team
We Are A Sanctuary Congregation
The First Universalist Sanctuary & Resistance Team’s work is rooted in our Unitarian Universalist Values and the commitments of our faith. We formed in 2016 as a response to the anti-immigrant sentiment, policies, and practices of the federal government following the election. We believe the current immigration system in our country is unjust and we work to change the system while also working to support and accompany individuals directly impacted by it.
Our team uses a shared leadership approach so that all have an opportunity to follow where love leads us. We partner with more than 25 local, external groups (large and small, some BIPOC-led, some faith-based, and others secular)—as well as with MUUSJA to work together on statewide UU efforts. Our work is ongoing, as the people we accompany are significantly impacted not only by a broken immigration system, but by COVID-19, racial injustice, economic uncertainty, health and housing disparities, and other major struggles of these times. Learn more about the scope of this team’s work in this document from November 2020.
We welcome congregants and friends to join us in any of the work we do:
- Sanctuary & Accompaniment
- Court Observer Program
- Immigration System Education
- Activism and Advocacy
- Direct Mutual Aid/S&R Immigrant Fund
We occasionally share opportunities with a large email list of those who are interested in this work. The Sanctuary and Resistance team meets periodically and stays connected in other ways.
Contact Jeanne Guignon or Joan Naymark for more information – look up their contact info in the Breeze Church Directory.
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