Some Christian churches are responding to the immigration crackdown by promising to house those threatened with deportation.  That includes two heroic Portland congregations.  The Oregonian reports:

The nationwide New Sanctuary Movement is about six months old. Its roots, however, go back to the Bible, where passages prescribe offering refuge to people unjustly accused of crimes. The movement last surfaced in the United States in the 1980s, when some churches sheltered Central and South Americans denied political asylum but who said they faced prison and death squads at home.

Today, loosely organized religious groups and individuals in about 50 cities support families who risk separation if members here illegally are deported. The movement is public in its efforts and encourages immigrants to tell their stories

In cities like Portland, New Sanctuary has not meant -- at least so far -- that churches or church members provide shelter. Here, leaders and people from about 20 congregations accompany immigrants to court and help them keep body and soul together.

Several Portland churches have supported "women of the bracelet," about 25 mothers arrested in recent raids, including from the Fresh Del Monte plant, and then released wearing electronic monitoring bracelets. The women may not work, must spend at least 12 hours a day at home and check in regularly with authorities. They support their children with donations they receive for serving homemade enchiladas and tamales at church events.

The Rev. Mark Knutson, pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church, says his congregation raised about $1,500 for the women during its summer festival. Portlanders have also organized baby showers for women who were pregnant or were new mothers....

The question came to a vote at Ainsworth in July. Bucciarelli thought about abstaining. But after airing her concerns and listening to others, she voted to be a sanctuary church, as did the majority who voted.

The Rev. Lynne Smouse-Lopez, pastor at Ainsworth (United Church of Christ), feels good about the decision because it was thoughtful and prayerful.

"I'm encouraged by their compassion for immigrants," she says. "It is a little overwhelming; we have so much on our plate already. But it feels good to say that I am a pastor of a sanctuary congregation."

Ainsworth is the second Portland church to formally join the New Sanctuary movement. Augustana Lutheran Church renewed its 1997 pledge in June. 

Portland is really blessed with some prophetic leaders.  For more information on the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement e-mail [email protected].

Coming up in Portland:

Special Upcoming Event:
Tuesday, September 25, 2007, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Churches, the Sanctuary Movement, and the Law

A forum on the legal considerations of churches becoming “Sanctuaries” or providing services for undocumented immigrants in the aftermath of the Del Monte raid.

Sponsored by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and the Willamette Center for Religion, Law and Democracy, Willamette University.

Admission is free—RSVP not required

Where: First United Methodist Church, 1838 SW Jefferson, Portland

Participants:

• Rev. Mark Knutson, Augustana Lutheran Church, ELCA, Portland
• Siovhan Sheridan-Ayala, Immigrant Law Group, Former Attorney for Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services
• Professor Keith Cunningham-Parmeter, Labor Law Specialist, Willamette University College of Law
• Professor Steven K. Green, Director, Willamette Center for Religion, Law and Democracy; Public Policy Committee, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon

For more information, contact Kevin Finney at [email protected] or (503) 221-1054, ext. 204.