CHRISTIAN and Jewish groups in the United States are appealing against a decision by the Department for Homeland Security to rescind guidance that protects schools and places of worship from immigration raids.
The Episcopal Church in the US was one of 27 faith groups that went to court to argue that the removal of the policy threatened religious freedom and had decreased attendance at services as worshippers were fearful of being caught up in raids.
The policy was changed a year ago when the phrase “sensitive locations” was removed from guidance for immigration officers about where operations should not be conducted. The initial legal challenge (News, 11 April 2025) was thrown out by a district court last April. The court said that the faith groups had failed to show that there was a “credible threat” to justify an injunction against the government while a full lawsuit was heard.
An appeal was heard last week by three judges of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Speaking on behalf of the faith groups, an attorney, Kelsi Corkran, said: “Right now, the missing congregants are missing out on one of the most important things of their faith practice, which is being able to engage in group prayer, group worship, communion.”
The removal of protection for places of worship is violating the religious-freedom protections of the First Amendment, the faith groups argue. Evidence submitted to the court by the Episcopal Church cited examples of immigration agents parking outside an Episcopal church and attempting to arrest members of the congregation as they left, and agents appearing outside a church food pantry to photograph those queuing up.
The counsel for the Department of Homeland Security argued that there was no imminent threat of raids in places of worship; so there was no case for an injunction.
A ruling from the court is expected in the next few weeks. If the appeal is successful, the case will return to the district court.
Many Episcopal churches took part in a Migration with Dignity Sunday, using prayers, resources, and education materials provided. Fourteen dioceses have passed resolutions backing a 2024 General Convention resolution that affirmed the Church’s call for dignity for all migrants and urged further investment in migration ministries.
The Episcopal Church’s stance in support of migrants and peaceful protesters against President Trump’s immigration crackdown had set an example for Christians around the world, the Primate of Canada, the Most Revd Shane Parker, said this week.
In his letter to the Presiding Bishop of the US Episcopal Church, Dr Sean Rowe, he wrote: “It has been heartbreaking for us, your northern neighbours, to watch the growing unrest that has arisen and persists in so many of your communities in the United States. We have seen and heard alarming stories of aggression, intimidation and harassment toward targeted communities and individuals, and the dehumanization of those perceived to not belong. We have seen images of violence, brutality and even death for those willing to challenge these actions and call out for justice.
“We want you to know that your courageous words and actions in the face of disturbing and dangerous challenges are themselves a blessing, and we want you to know that you are not alone.”
He urged Canadian Christians to support their brothers and sisters in prayer in this “unpredictable season” in the life of the US.
