First Congregational as a Sanctuary Church
On May 5, 2019, following a process of education and discernment, the First Congregational Church of Ithaca (FCCI)’s membership voted to become a Sanctuary Church, pledging to provide shelter as needed for undocumented immigrants while their legal cases are in process. Specifically, FCCI agreed to: 1) Educate themselves and the community about immigration-related issues; 2) Advocate for justice and comprehensive humane immigration reform; and 3) Accompany and support immigrants and their families, at their request, when facing immigration related hearings or meetings, or as guests in sanctuary. FCCI partners actively with the Ithaca Sanctuary Alliance (ISA), whose member congregations have committed to helping FCCI in the form of material, interpersonal and spiritual support.
The Rev. Dr. David Kaden, Senior Minister of the First Congregational Church, stated: “Becoming a sanctuary church is an extension of one of our core principles in the United Church of Christ: ‘no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here’. Engaging in the Sanctuary process is a statement of extravagant welcome for at-risk members of our community, modeled on the principle of God’s unconditional grace offered to all.”
“The act of declaring ourselves a sanctuary congregation in solidarity with so many Ithaca faith communities and seasoned advocacy groups is designed to further a climate of welcome, compassion, and justice amid the omnipresent reminders of bias toward immigrants in today’s news cycle,” said Andy Weislogel, co-lead for the FCCI Sanctuary Ministries Team.
The FCCI Sanctuary Ministries Team
SMT meets monthly to further the goals of Educating, Advocating for, and Accompanying immigrants in need in our community and region. Members of our team meet bi-weekly with ISA volunteers to check in with our sanctuary guests’ needs and wellbeing and get ahead of upcoming issues. In addition to assisting our current sanctuary guests, SMT members participate in collecting and distributing clothing and food for farmworkers, driving immigrants to medical and legal appointments, serving as legal guardians, and speaking to other faith groups and organizations about our efforts.
How Can You Help?
Here is a list of activities for which the FCCI Sanctuary Team are always seeking volunteers:
- Driving guests to appointments (medical, legal) and shopping, and educational opportunities
- Grocery shopping
- Providing childcare during meetings and adult class time
- Offering interpreter service for interacting with medical and legal professionals
- Serving as legal guardian for immigrant minors
- Collecting, sorting, distributing clothing for farmworkers
- Coordinating publicity and communications for Sanctuary Efforts
- Helping to plan, publicize, and execute fundraisers
- Providing companionship and English conversation for guests