OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — Sixty Christian clergy from across Ottawa County have issued a joint public statement expressing concern over the human impact of current immigration enforcement practices and calling for a response rooted in faith, compassion and nonviolent justice.
The statement, signed by pastors representing multiple Christian traditions, says the group’s position is grounded in the teachings of Jesus and the historic witness of the Church, not partisan politics. The clergy say they stand in solidarity with individuals and families affected by immigration enforcement and urge local communities and leaders to prioritize human dignity and mercy.
“We grieve the suffering unfolding in our communities and believe the Gospel calls us to stand with the vulnerable,” the clergy wrote in the statement. “Love of neighbor requires action in this moment.”
The pastors voice what they describe as a moral rejection of the “brutality of current immigration enforcement practices” and call for the immediate withdrawal of federal immigration forces from local communities. They warn against approaches they say are rooted in fear, violence and dehumanization, and instead call for a just and humane immigration system carried out by properly trained personnel and grounded in respect for human dignity.
In addition to broader concerns, the statement includes specific requests to local officials. The clergy urge the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department to publicly refuse participation in or support for the current model of federal immigration enforcement operating in the county.
The statement also encourages people of faith and community members to listen to impacted communities, engage in compassionate dialogue, participate in nonviolent action and support organizations serving immigrant neighbors.
The full statement, along with the names of the 60 clergy signatories, is available through an online public petition. Community members may read the statement or add their support at https://c.org/GG8sZYyfvQ.
The clergy say their shared witness is intended to help build what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the “Beloved Community,” grounded in justice, mercy and unconditional love.
Media Contacts:
Rev. Jennifer Adams, Rector, Grace Episcopal Church, Holland — rev.jenadams@yahoo.com
Fr. Jared Cramer, Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Grand Haven — rector@sjegh.com
Rev. Jackson Nickolay, Associate Pastor, Hope Church RCA, Holland — jackson.t.nickolay@gmail.com
Rev. Andrew Spidahl, Pastor, Embody Christ Fellowship, Holland — ajspidahl@hotmail.com
Rev. Dr. Gordon S. Wiersma, Pastor, Hope Church RCA, Holland — gwiersma@hopechurchrca.org
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