Interfaith Witnesses End, New Actions Rise Up
Pastor Karyn, Pastor Rachel, and other local clergy meet with Councilor Olivia Clark at City Hall.
“...Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’”
“Then the king will reply to them, ‘ I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these siblings of mine, you have done it for me.’” - Matthew 25:37-40, CEB
From December to March, members from First United Methodist Church of Portland and other Portland-area faith communities faithfully gathered outside the ICE facility on Macadam to proclaim light come to the darkness, hope in the midst of great despair, peace amid violence, and neighboring among communities built on isolation. These Witnesses (as we called them) gathered people of faith from many traditions: United Methodists, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Unitarian Universalists, Quakers, Jews, and more. We each brought with us a grounding of hope from each of our traditions.
On March 4 we hosted our final Witness. It was the same day Pastor Karyn and I went to City Hall to meet with District 4’s Councilor Olivia Clark, whose district includes Goose Hollow. While a group of us shared stories of our immigrant neighbors with the Councilor, others gathered to mark the conclusion of bi-weekly interfaith witnesses at ICE. But it is not the end of our work together! There is still much to be done to proclaim resurrection hope amid the sorrow of Good Friday:
Peaceful Presence at the Protest
Saturday, March 28, starting at Noon at the Battleship Memorial in Tom McCall Park
On the eve of Palm Sunday, many of our neighbors and congregants will participate in our democracy through protest. One large protest will begin at Tom McCall Park and is expected to make its way down to the ICE Field Office at the south waterfront. Clergy have been invited to participate to be a peaceful and deescalating witness, especially at ICE.
If you plan to participate and speak out in bold Christian witness to proclaim love of neighbor, Cacky Cromer is coordinating First Churchers:
Suggest parking at the church at 11:30
Take the MAX train eastbound; get off at Oak and 1st Street stop
When the group arrives at the station, text Cacky (503)949-1929
“Bring signs!” Cacky says. They should speak to whatever is on your heart: trans rights, voting rights, women’s rights, the war, corruption, immigration, or something else that’s stirring your conscience of faith.
Palm Sunday Action
Sunday, March 29, 3:00-5:00pm at Terry Schrunk Plaza
As Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey—symbolizing humble, just leadership that cares for the poor and vulnerable—we will follow his example and embody the heart of our faith. We are called to love our neighbors—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, and honoring the dignity of every child of God. On this day, Christians across the country will stand together against authoritarianism and white Christian nationalism, rejecting a politics rooted in greed, cruelty, and oppression. Our time together will end with communion. Click here for more info and to RSVP.
Passover Neighbor-to-Neighbor Witness
Wednesday, April 8, 2:00-3:00pm at ICE Field Office (4310 SW Macadam)
We continue with our interfaith witness by joining our Jewish siblings for a Passover Witness. Our ritual will draw on traditions and teachings from the Jewish Festival of Liberation. Led by Rabbis Brian Mayer and Benjamin Barnett, and Student Rabbi Noah Dor Lind, we invite Jews and non-Jews to gather as we sing, connect, and tell the story of a more liberated world.
Thank you for all you have done in this time to show up for our neighbors. Being present to decry the cruelties being inflicted on our siblings in the name of faith has meant the world to those who see you, who know you, and who love you – and to those whom you love. Like Zacchaeus risked it all to catch a glimpse of Jesus, you have risked what you can to help show the world what a liberated community of love and care can be. And, like Jesus risked it all to have dinner with a sinner, a tax collector, and the least of these, you have risked what you can to show up for those who are just trying to make it through. It has been an honor to walk this road beside you. I look forward to more opportunities to engage in actions that support our neighbors with you. Keep an eye on the Advocacy Mailing List as it comes through for more ways to participate in standing up for our community. If you’re not on that mailing list yet, and want to be, you can sign up here.
Yours in Community,
Rev. Rachel