The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) recently joined more than two dozen Christian and Jewish religious denominations and associations in filing a lawsuit against the new federal policy that allows immigration raids and  arrests at houses of worship.
Throughout human history, houses of worship have been regarded as protected spaces for persons who entered them for sanctuary. For years, including during the 2016-2020 administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) restricted any immigration enforcement in or near places of worship. But on January 20, 2025, a DHS memo rescinded that “sensitive locations” protection for houses of worship as well as for schools and hospitals.

The UUA said, “As Unitarian Universalists, fighting for justice and liberation for all people is at the heart of our faith tradition, which recognizes the spark of the divine inherent in every person. Our sacred spaces must continue to offer sanctuary to those who face oppression, violence, or alienation, including immigrant communities.”

Unitarian Universalists were joined in bringing this suit by Baptist, Brethren Episcopalian, Evangelical, Mennonite, Quaker, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, United Methodist, and the Central Atlantic Conference United Church of Christ denominations, as well as the Reconstructionist, Reform, and Conservative Jewish organizations.  These groups stated that they are  “…unified on a fundamental belief: Every human being, regardless of birthplace, is a child of God worthy of dignity, care, and love. Welcoming the stranger, or immigrant, is thus a central precept of their faith practices.”

They filed this suit together because “their scripture, teaching, and traditions offer irrefutable unanimity on their religious obligation to embrace and serve the refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in their midst without regard to documentation or legal status.”

February 28, 2025