On May 3, during its annual meeting, the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago (ABCMC) became the first region within the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) to unanimously pass a resolution declaring itself a sanctuary region. The resolution was authored by Rev. Shakespeare Osorio, associate regional minister for Latino churches, and Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf, co-associate regional minister for white and multicultural churches.
“ABCMC hereby declares itself to be a sanctuary region of American Baptist Churches USA… Becoming a sanctuary region means that ABCMC is publicly declaring that walking alongside immigrants and refugees is a matter of faith. Indeed, many in our congregations are immigrants, and some lack legal status. Being a sanctuary region means that we stand in solidarity with our siblings in Christ within ABCMC and with those who are bearing the brunt of this administration’s cruelty outside of it,” the resolution reads.
In passing the resolution, ABCMC formally opposed the actions of the Trump administration which have led to the revocation of Temporary Protected Status for many immigrants and the rollback of “sensitive locations” protections previously afforded to churches. As the administration continues to demonize immigrants and deport undocumented individuals in large numbers, the region affirms a gospel-centered response.
As Jesus says in Matthew 25:40-45: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me… whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
The region’s immigrant congregations welcomed the resolution, which makes a strong statement in today’s hostile political climate. “The ABCMC region passing this resolution unanimously means that it stands with us—it is for us,” said Rev. Osorio. “The Latino churches feel that they are part of the region, that they have its solidarity and support.”
In practice, being a sanctuary region has different implications for each congregation and individual. There is no mandate for specific actions; each congregation must discern its response. “It may mean providing space for people to live, offering financial or legal support to those navigating the immigration system, or supporting other congregations and service providers,” Rev. Woolf explained.
The resolution, distributed at the meeting in both English and Spanish, concludes: “Being a sanctuary region is about loving our neighbors. We commit to continuing in prayer and solidarity with all those affected by the present administration’s shifts in policy, rhetoric, and enforcement.”
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Visiting scholar in religious studies and gender at Northwestern University. Senior writer at American Baptist Home Mission Societies and co-associate regional minister for white and multicultural churches at the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago.
