When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:33-34
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. Matthew 25:35
But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it,25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. 1 Corinthians 12:24-26
Material Available at PUMC:
From Church & Society, The United Methodist Church:
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS, from New York Immigration Council
“Red Cards”
Should there be an “immigration event” at PUMC…
…be aware of the following considerations:
- The church is considered public space. As such, we can not deny access to anyone.
- The church office, finance office, Pastor’s office, Lounge, choir room, Education office, and CdA office have been designated as private space, with PRIVATE signage. Accordingly, law enforcement can not enter these rooms unless invited or unless they can present a valid warrant*. Anyone with concerns about unlawful questioning or detainment should seek refuge in one of these rooms.
- NEVER touch an ICE or other law enforcement officer, or physically interfere with their actions. You should never feel pressured to intervene. Doing so is at your own risk of legal implications and personal harm.
- We all have the right to take video recordings of law enforcement officers. This increases the likelihood that no Constitutional rights will be violated. (Kindly do NOT post to social media without permission from the pastor).
- Contact legal council as soon as possible.
- Always remain calm!
*A valid warrant is a document with the name of a specific person of interest and signed by a judge or magistrate.