05/14/2026
We, the clergy of Episcopal parishes on the Southcoast, decry the blatant misuse of power and state-sanctioned violence of immigration enforcement in our country and in our local communities. This compromises the dignity of every human being.
The Episcopal Church stands for the life-giving and liberating message of Jesus Christ who came to show us the way to love by being merciful, compassionate, loving, kind and promoters of peace. Our church calls us to stand up for what is right and to work for equality and justice for all people.
We have witnessed families destroyed at the hands of ICE and federal agents. Many people have been hurt or even killed in immigration enforcement and in ICE detention over the last year. Our commitment to the teachings and witness of Jesus Christ compels us to share his message of non-violence and compassion for all people of the world.
The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, The Rt. Rev. Julia Elizabeth Whitworth, recently wrote “Throughout Scripture, God’s care for the stranger and the sojourner is unmistakable. When fear is wielded as a tool of power and intimidation, we are called to stand with those under threat in compassion, solidarity, and nonviolent strength.”
As followers of Jesus Christ, this is a moment for action; to stand up for the Gospel values of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught us his “game plan” in the Sermon on the Mount: Be merciful and compassionate; be peacemakers, be kind and loving; stand up for what is right; work for equality and justice for all people.
We call for the suspension of abusive ICE and Border Patrol operations; and to recommit ourselves, each in our own way, to care for the marginalized and most vulnerable among us.
Love casts out fear. This mission of the Episcopal Church is to put faith into action by intentionally sharing God’s love with all people. The Episcopal Church is a place of welcome and inclusion. If our values and mission resonate with you, our doors are open. We invite you to be witnesses of compassion, love and justice.
Sincerely in Christ,
The Very Rev. Scott A. Ciosek
Rector, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Dartmouth
Episcopal Chaplain, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Dean, Mount Hope-Buzzards Bay Deanery of the Episcopal Diocese of MA
The Rev. Susan M. Correira
Deacon
The Rev. David Fredrickson
Interim Priest
The Rev. Jeremy C. Froyen, CFC
Rector
Grace Episcopal Church, New Bedford
The Rev. Billie Mae Gordon
Interim Clergy
The Rev. James Hornsby, MSW, M.Div.
Priest
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Fall River
The Rev. Susan H. Lee, Ph.D.
Rector Emerita
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Fall River
The Rev. James Medley
Rector
Church of the Holy Spirit, Fall River
The Rev. Faith M. Mbuthia
Curate
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Dartmouth
Grace Episcopal Church, New Bedford
The Rev. Christopher Morck
Priest
Church of Our Saviour, Somerset
The Rev. Timothy Safford
South Dartmouth
May 13, 2026
