A Statement from the Social Justice Task Force

3 days ago

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Statement from the Social Justice Task Force of Acton Congregational Church on the Treatment of Immigrants

“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

— Leviticus 19:33–34

As people of faith grounded in the Gospel message of love, justice, and human dignity, we, the Social Justice Task Force of Acton Congregational Church, stand ready to support any of our community members in need during this stressful time. Our sacred scriptures and moral tradition compel us to welcome the stranger, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the dignity of every human being.

We grieve the stories of families torn apart, individuals detained in difficult conditions, and treated as threats instead of neighbors. Our community believes in restorative practices, compassion, and hospitality. We reject any practices that criminalizes migration or punishes those seeking refuge, safety, and the basic right to live in dignity. Immigration is not a crime—it is a human journey often born of desperation and hope. As followers of Christ, we are called not to turn away, but to see, to listen, and to act.

We invite our church community to pray, educate, and advocate. Let us remember that faith without action is empty. In solidarity with our immigrant siblings, we commit ourselves to the holy work of justice, knowing that when we welcome the stranger, we welcome Christ among us.

Signed,

Social Justice Task Force Acton Congregational Church

May 15, 2025

Attend with Us - Local Community Forum on Immigration

The Social Justice Task Force invites the members of ACC to join them in attending a community forum on Immigration. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 21st at 7:00pm at the Town Hall, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA. 01720.

According to the meeting description, the discussion will address key issues —including deportation fears, access to legal protections like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and TPS (Temporary Protected Status), the vital role immigrants play in the economy and how Massachusetts policies offer local support.

Also included in the discussion will be current Bills filed in the Massachusetts State Legislature, including the Safe Communities Act and the Immigrant Legal Defense Act—bills aimed at strengthening due process protections and limiting entanglement between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. A Question and Answer session will follow.

All are welcome! Come learn, share, and be part of the conversation.

Registration and More information

More Resources on This Topic

Acton Congregational Church Social Justice Task Force Pray. Educate. Advocate.

Consider donating your time and/or money to respected charities that support immigrants. These websites contain information on how to support immigrants in our communities.

UCC RESOURCES https://www.ucc.org/justice_immigration-2/

SNEUCC RESOURCES https://www.sneucc.org/videodetail/18993315

LOCAL RESOURCES Congregation Beth Elohim Social Action/Na’aseh

https://www.bethelohim.org/social_action

AB United Way https://sites.google.com/abuw.org/resources/immigration

Town of Acton https://www.acton-ma.gov/837/Acton-BOS-Immigration-Policy STATE RESOURCES State of Massachusetts https://www.mass.gov/info-details/resources-for-immigrants-in-massachusetts