Sanctuary & Accompaniment
Through sanctuary & accompaniment work, we are working as a faith community to create a space of safety and respect while we confront injustices within the immigration system. We reflect on the witness of Pr Dietrich Bonhoeffer who famously urged, “We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself.”
Sanctuary
On Sunday, April 9, 2017, following months of study, reflection, prayer, and deliberation, Gethsemane Lutheran Church declared itself a Sanctuary Congregation resolving to protect refugees and undocumented persons who are under the threat of arrest and deportation; offering shelter and a safe place for those escaping persecution; and advocating for just immigration policies.
On June 28, 2018, we welcomed Jose Robles into sanctuary at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. On July 17, 2019, hundreds of supporters rallied at Riverton Park UMC and marched to the USCIS building in Tukwila. We cried out in hope for justice that ICE would grant a stay of removal. Instead, they arrested him. After nearly 20 months, Jose was released.
Accompaniment
Week in and out, volunteers from our network assist with medical, legal, emotional, and educational support for these neighbors who seek a way forward in safety and peace. This work started with a family from El Salvador, including a younger sister, Mayency who made the arduous journey from El Salvador while four months pregnant.
You can help raise funds in these ways:
Week in and out, volunteers from our network assist with medical, legal, emotional, and educational support for these neighbors who seek a way forward in safety and peace. Your gift through our immigration fund will help sustain this work. Checks may be mailed (and other gifts, delivered) to the church office – 911 Stewart Street, Seattle WA 98101.