United Church News
They lined up as far as the eye could see. Over 400 clergy and migrant justice supporters from a number of interfaith traditions, united by the sacred texts to love their neighbors and welcome the stranger, moved in a solemn procession from San Ysidro to Tijuana on December 10, risking arrest to affirm that love knows no borders.
“I have found a ray of hope. It came at the border where faith leaders from all over the country have come to speak of love,” said the Rev. John Dorhauer, UCC General Minister and President. “Let the immigrant and the refugee, all seeking safe passage to a new land, hear these voices. Let those who wield power also hear this cry for love and justice and act in accordance with it.”
Connecticut Conference Minister The Rev. Kent J. Siladi, Massachusetts Associate Conference Ministers The Rev. Wendy Vander Hart and The Rev. Kelly Gallagher, and Connecticut Conference Regional Minister The Rev. Mary Nelson - in San Diego for the Authorizing Ministry for the 21st Century (AM21) gathering - took part in the demonstration. None were arrested.
“We stood as people of faith together to witness that no human being is illegal and to demonstrate our commitment to speak up and out about policies that criminalize those seeking asylum in our country,” Siladi said.
Read the full United Church News article: Faith leaders arrested in show of support for migrants at US-Mexico border, Dec. 11, 2018
Wendy Vander Hart, John Dorhauer and Mary Nelson en route to the border.