Several faith leaders called urgently for protecting the rights of worshippers while expressing compassion for migrants after anti-immigration enforcement protesters disrupted a service at a Southern Baptist church in Minnesota.
About three dozen protesters entered the church during Sunday service at the Cities Church in St. Paul, some walking right up to the pulpit, others loudly chanting “ICE out” and “Renee Good,” referring to a woman who was fatally shot on Jan. 7 by an ICE agent in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation.
Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board, characterized the incident as “lawless harassment” and emphasized the need to maintain sacred spaces for worship without intimidation. He supported the pastor whose service was disrupted and condemned the harassment faced by families gathered in worship.
Leaders from the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention recognized the distress caused by the protest and highlighted a need for churches to offer compassionate support to migrant families.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced a civil rights investigation into the incident amid a surge in federal immigration enforcement operations, with accusations of harassment against peaceful attendees.
Opinions among Christian groups vary widely, with some advocating for stricter enforcement of immigration laws while others call for the protection of migrant rights. The Southern Baptist Convention, representing a strong evangelical voice, stands firm against interrupting worship services, emphasizing the sanctity of such gatherings and the importance of ensuring safety within religious spaces.
Continuing tensions surrounding immigration policies pose significant challenges for communities and their faith environments, as the balance between law enforcement and humanitarian efforts remains a divisive issue.
