As the Trump administration seeks to prosecute “sanctuary cities” that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration police, a Baptist association has declared itself a “sanctuary region.”
The action was taken May 3 by the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago through adoption of a resolution written by Shakespeare Osorio, associate regional minister for Latino churches, and Michael Woolf, co-associate regional minister for white and multicultural churches.
“ABCMC hereby declares itself to be a sanctuary region of American Baptist Churches USA,” the resolution states. “Becoming a sanctuary region means that ABCMC is publicly declaring that walking alongside immigrants and refugees is a matter of faith. Indeed, many in our congregations are immigrants, and some lack legal status. Being a sanctuary region means that we stand in solidarity with our siblings in Christ within ABCMC and with those who are bearing the brunt of this administration’s cruelty outside of it.”
A news release from the association described the resolution as formally opposing the Trump administration and its rollback of “sensitive location” prohibitions that kept ICE agents from entering houses of worship.
“As the administration continues to demonize immigrants and deport undocumented individuals in large numbers, the region affirms a gospel-centered response,” the news release stated, citing Matthew 25:40–45: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Osorio thanked the association for its stand: “The ABCMC region passing this resolution unanimously means that it stands with us, it is for us. The Latino churches feel they are part of the region, that they have its solidarity and support.”
The resolution mandates no specific actions for any congregation.
“It may mean providing space for people to live, offering financial or legal support to those navigating the immigration system, or supporting other congregations and service providers,” Woolf explained.