The Christian Recorder - AME Churches in Minneapolis Respond to ICE Invasion

AME Churches in Minneapolis Respond to ICE Invasion Minneapolis is grieving. Our city has been deeply wounded by the devastating consequences of reckless and heartless federal immigration enforcement actions carried out in our neighborhoods. We mourn the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a beloved member of our community, who was shot and killed by a federal ICE agent while she was looking out for her neighbors. This should never have happened. We struggle to find words large enough to hold the pain, anger, and sorrow that this violence has inflicted on our city. This killing occurred just one mile from St. Peter’s AME Church, making the grief not only communal but painfully close to home. As people of faith, we cannot be silent. The prophets remind us that justice is not optional. Jesus teaches us that love of neighbor is not negotiable. Our faith calls us to stand with the grieving, the threatened, and the vulnerable even when doing so is uncomfortable or costly. The AME Churches of the St. Paul-Minneapolis District stand in solidarity with our neighbors and community in calling for justice and accountability. We stand with those demanding an end to federal actions that have brought harm and terror to our city. We stand with all who labor daily to protect one another through mutual aid, community networks, and courageous presence. In partnership with ISAIAH, the statewide federation of Faith in Action, our district is engaged in the following efforts: A clergy vigil at the site of Renee Good’s killing A clergy call to action at the State Capitol “Know Your Rights” trainings for community members ST. Paul Minneapolis District Churches have: Provided representation at protests and rallies Hosted online and in-person holding spaces on the evening of Renee Good’s death Supported members serving as constitutional observers at schools and areas where ICE is mobilizing Organized food trains for families fearful of leaving their homes Intentionally patronized immigrant-owned businesses harmed by ICE operations Chicago Conference Women in Ministry is combining prayer lines on Tuesday, January 20th St. Paul Minneapolis District Clergy are: Serving as protest chaplains at demonstrations and vigils Preparing churches as safe harbor spaces for the community Working closely with city and state officials to draft and disseminate accurate information on resistance and advocacy, amplifying calls for ICE to leave Minnesota Organizing fasts and prayer calls for our cities and for those organizing on the ground Building broad coalitions across communities and movements, recognizing that collective action multiplies our power and deepens our impact. Presiding Elder Stacey Smith is collaborating with Rev. Al Sharpton on a vigil for Renee Good through the National Action Network (NAN). This is a painful and frightening moment, but it is also one in which love can be made visible through courage, solidarity, and care. May we choose a better way together. With grief, hope, and resolve, Bishop Frederick A. Wright                          Presiding Elder Stacey L. Smith Retired Presiding Elder Alphonse Reff, Sr.             Rev. Dr. Tracey Gibson Rev. Anthony Galloway Rev. Dr. Pamela Ngunjir                       Rev. Chad Edwards                               Rev. Dr. Leoma Leigh Williams                Rev. Dr. William Smith Rev. Angela Barnes   In times like these, prayer is not an escape from responsibility. It is a grounding that sends us back into the world with courage and clarity. Some of our churches have committed to the daily congregational prayer below. We invite you to join us in praying this prayer each day, either on your own or with others, in the days ahead. A Prayer for Peace Holy One, Source of life and love, We grieve a life lost in Minneapolis, and we hold close the family now walking through sorrow. Draw near to them with comfort and peace. You did not create your children to live in fear. You formed us for dignity, safety, and care for one another. Turn our hearts away from violence and division and back toward justice, compassion, and wisdom. Guide our leaders to act from conscience, not fear, and remind us of our shared humanity. Strengthen us not only to pray for peace, but to live it, protecting the vulnerable, welcoming the stranger, and choosing love over hatred. Until justice and peace embrace, keep us faithful. May it be so. Amen.

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