[UUA-L] UUA Joins Faith Communities Protecting Immigrants from Deportation

[Unitarian Universalist Association]

(May 10, 2007)  Religious leaders from across the country were joined by
Unitarian Universalists in announcing the launch of a New Sanctuary
Movement, an interfaith coalition that pledges to open their
congregations' doors and hearts to immigrant workers and their families
on the brink of deportation. Public launch events took place on May 9 in
Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Seattle, and New York.

UUA President William G. Sinkford sent a statement of support that was
read at the San Diego and Chicago interfaith events by Rev. James Grant,
Affiliate Minster of First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego,
and Rev. Nina Grey of First Unitarian Society of Chicago. 

In his statement Sinkford said, "Grounded in the Unitarian Universalist
affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations endorses the New
Sanctuary Movement, a movement of prophetic hospitality and public
witness to bring about real change in the immigration policy of the
United States. The UUA joins other people of faith and conscience in
calling for the passage of just and comprehensive immigration reform and
an immediate stop to federal raids that separate parents from their
children and create a climate of fear and repression.

At the Los Angeles event, Rev. Monica Cummings, Minister of First
Unitarian Church of Los Angeles, offered a Blessing of Immigrant
Families.

The New Sanctuary Movement is a coalition of interfaith religious
leaders and participating congregations, called by faith to respond
actively and publicly to the suffering of immigrants residing in the
United States. Congregations, churches, synagogues, and mosques
representing fourteen faith traditions are currently participating. The
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations is the first
denomination to sign on to the movement at the national level.

For the complete story, see
http://www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/24058.shtml .
For Sinkford's complete statement, see
http://www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/24051.shtml .
For information on the New Sanctuary movement, see
http://www.newsanctuarymovement.org/index.html .