Clergy, worshippers gather to pray as part of sanctuary effort

July 13, 2017 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer led the prayer service at South Congregational UCC in support of the sanctuary movement in Springfield. Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs



SPRINGFIELD – In the latest chapter of the controversy caused by the possible creation of a sanctuary for illegal immigrants about 70 people gathered at the South Congregational Church on July 6 to pray.

Organized by the Pioneer Valley Project, about 70 clergy and congregation members of the Springfield Sanctuary and Solidarity Network gathered at the plaza in front of the church.

Tara Parrish of the Pioneer Valley Project told Reminder Publications Mayor Domenic Sarno had been invited to the prayer service. Sarno has opposed the establishment of a religious based sanctuary for illegal aliens.

She said that regardless of the objections raised by city officials the Springfield Sanctuary and Solidarity Network was moving forward with plans to have a sanctuary.

The Springfield Sanctuary and Solidarity Network includes Blessed Sacraments and All Souls Church, Holy Cross Church, Holy Name Church, Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, South Congregational UCC and the Unitarian Universalists Society of Greater Springfield. South Congregational Church is the first congregation to offer physical sanctuary in Western Massachusetts.

According to a statement released by the Pioneer Valley Project, “Springfield is home to 5,000-6,000 undocumented residents.  This sanctuary and solidarity network was formed, as a response to the increase in immigration enforcement, which continues to separate families, no longer prioritizes deportation for only those with violent criminal convictions, a system which increasingly is detaining undocumented immigrants with no criminal charges.  Our various traditions call us to love our neighbor, and act to transform the systems that oppress and ‘other’ members of our community.  We cannot allow forces of fear and hate to prevail, so we are standing together publicly in faith. We envision a Springfield where everyone belongs.”

Parrish said there have been no requests for sanctuary and that if someone asks for protection there would be an “intricate process that could carefully consider” the application.

“It would be a very difficult decision,” she added.

Being in sanctuary “amounts to house arrest,” she said. Essentially the arrangement would be a “partnership.”

Parrish added, “It would have to be the right situation and the right family or individual.”

If interested in learning how to support the sanctuary movement in Springfield call the Pioneer Valley Project at 827-0781.

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