62 Comments
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Christine's avatar

Thank you.

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Marta Layton's avatar

I love how action-oriented they seem. Being against ICE or any other part of Trump because it's antithetical to the Gospel is one thing; true, I believe, but not enough. But in so many areas, churches are how people connect, they see what their neighbors need because they're on the ground. And it's nice to hear of some of them still being moved to do what they can.

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Sherri Priestman's avatar

I am late to reading and responding—hopefully you’re seeing Bad Bunny tonight or tomorrow! I’m jealous but would not have wanted to be a white face in what is a very puertorequeño celebration. Your newsletter is so encouraging. I know there are people of faith who take the commands of Jesus seriously; they’re in my life. I’m glad to learn that some are organizing resistance consistent with His teachings.

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Shantha Smith's avatar

Our local church community in California, especially Catholic aid groups, developed rapid response networks to ICE raids in Trump's first term. We kicked them back into gear as soon as he won again. They have now expanded into meal delivery and other services for those afraid to leave their homes. Every one if us can participate and help and do our part according to our abilities to aid the most vulnerable. This is absolutely a time for community building and shared responsibility. It is also a wonderful outlet for our anger and anxiety. We have to resist, oppose and heal from the ground up.

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PatsyRoyal's avatar

Just wanted to put out a note to remind y'all about Rodney Taylor, the Georgia man who has been here since he was 2 years old and is looking at possible deportation to Liberia. Here in Atlanta the news just did a special on him. Judge is supposed to make decision within 30 days.

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WDD's avatar

Thank you Adrian.

If you are or become aware of a "clearinghouse" to help folks link up with these churches do please share. (I did not find such at the VoteCommonGood website.) If anyone has a lead for NW Florida, I'd appreciate learning about it.

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Mel Kimmel's avatar

I applaud the church efforts but question the effectiveness of sanctuary churches (ICE and the courts I believe will not respect the concept). I also question the effectiveness of using rational moral arguments to change MAGA and Evangelical attitudes. I do like the use of WhatsApp as a strategy that could work to counter ICE aggression. Personally, I would like to find out why religious people support Trump, who I believe is an Atheist (or agnostic, at best) and come up with a strategy to counter those beliefs.

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Yuki's avatar

How many divisions do the churches have? 😂😲

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WDD's avatar

"...By Schisms Rent Asunder,

By Heresies Distressed..."

Lots of divisions, none military.

Nonetheless,

"Yet Saints Their Watch Are Keeping;

Their Cry Goes Up, “How Long?”

And Soon The Night Of Weeping

Shall Be The Morn Of Song."

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Lee's avatar

ALL of them

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Lee's avatar

This whole Godforsaken administration is a moral stain on this country and too many supposed "Christians" helped put him there. I was born and raised Catholic but I couldn't be more down on organized religion. I still have my faith in my own way but it seems to me religion has been a root cause of nearly every single conflict since the beginning of time. All that said, it's encouraging to read this, Adrian. Thanks for your work to bring this information to the masses.

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Phyllis's avatar

Such an important story. Heartening really. Once again, thank you Adrian.

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David White's avatar

Adrian:

Your perspective on this tangled subject is invaluable. I had little of it until you came aboard. I am grateful for your work

Have a good trip.

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Tom Gensemer's avatar

When you say you’re seeing Bad Bunny at his residence, is that seeing him perform or actually sitting down for a chat? Either way my niece will be so jealous.

Thanks for another great piece, hope your vacation is excellent.

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Adrian Carrasquillo's avatar

Thanks so much, Tom! Just seeing the show but believe me I would love to interview him one day!

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Mark Davis's avatar

So if he really wants to build a community, this would be a great starting point to partner with non-faith individuals and institutions. This could be a remarkable opportunity to bring people of all beliefs, or lack thereof, back together on firmer footing.

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A Sarcastic Prophet's avatar

I have been reading and listening to Doug Pagitt for over 15 years. I am not surprised this is his doing. The quiet majority of Christians of all traditions who are repulsed by Trump and MAGA need to have a movement like this as it’s North Star for resistance.

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Chris Hoyler's avatar

If would encourage everyone - politicians, faith leaders and citizens to voice support to immigration REFORM, not DEPORT. Immigration reform has been needed for decades and has been discussed by Congress, but never in a serious manner. Now everyone can see what deportation means and they are outraged. Immigration reform is a winning message, so let's shout it out! Imagine what could be accomplished is $100 BILLION was directed to a solution!!

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Mary Dougherty's avatar

Christian Nationalism is, to me, a subset of fascism. Regarding ICE, I keep wondering when citizens confronting them in the streets will start saying (or screaming) "You show no I.D. You must be criminals, kidnappers." I am weary of people asking them which government agency they are with, etc. They need to be confronted. If I saw them taking my neighbors away, I'd be calling 911 [maybe not helpful if local police are complicit] or maybe holding guns on them. We need to be tougher I think. Based on comments here, I guess I should connect with local faith groups.

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