Below is a press release from Church World Services:
High-resolution photos for press usage: http://tiny.cc/July31Photos
Handout video footage for press usage: http://tiny.cc/July31Videos
Profiles of selected leaders: http://tiny.cc/July31Profiles
Today, more than 100 faith leaders and immigrant rights activists from across the country were arrested after participating in an act of civil disobedience demanding that President Obama end his inhumane deportation policies.
Bishops, nuns, rabbis, pastors, workers and impacted immigrants urged the President to stop deportations immediately, dramatically expand relief for America’s immigrant families and workers, and protect unaccompanied children who have sought refuge in the U.S. More than 500 supporters joined the 112 faith and immigrant advocates engaged in the civil disobedience.
Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, chaos erupted after House Republicans unexpectedly failed to pass a border bill. Though Republicans are currently still meeting, continued inaction would especially emphasize the need for President Obama to take executive action that protects families from separation.
As Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO of Church World Service, stated:
As someone who has benefited from the courage and civil disobedience of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, I cannot stand idly by as I see unjust immigration laws damage our communities and our nation. It is a moral imperative that we take action now, particularly after the House Republican leadership has miserably failed to enact immigration reform that the majority of Americans roundly support.
The faith action begins a weekend of activity pushing the President to expand relief and halt deportations with a march from the national mall to the White House on Saturday the 2nd.
Sponsors of today’s action include the United Methodist Church, Church World Service, CASA de Maryland, CASA de Virginia, Bend the Arc, the Unitarian Universalist Association, the United Church of Christ, Sisters of Mercy, Disciples Home Missions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the PICO National Network, the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Wind of the Spirit, and the Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach.
View some of the photos from today’s civil disobedience below:
