ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message in response to the executive order on immigration that rolled back guidance to immigration authorities in protected areas such as places of worship, schools and hospitals.
Eaton spoke out against the order and urged members and others to add their voices. “You are a superpower. They don’t expect thousands and thousands of ordinary people in our pews and in our communities to join together for this action. So, get motivated and get organized. We are church together, and together we will continue to defend the most vulnerable communities and people among us as Jesus taught us.”
Eaton also addressed the numerous lawsuits challenging this action. “Given the ELCA’s polity and denominational structure, the churchwide organization would not bean appropriate plaintiff in these actions,” she said. “But congregations can demonstrate that they could be harmed by the recission, and they would have standing in this lawsuit. We will continue to speak out against harmful policies and in support of our marginalized neighbors.”
