PHOTO: Eduardo Castro
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA — Rev. Sharon Avril of Carter Episcopal Church recently announced that her church is now a sanctuary for all immigrants. Carter Memorial has been in existence for 135 years in Fresno.
The U.S. Episcopal Church has existed for 210 years in U.S. The original church started during the period of slavery when they helped the slaves escape from the South to non-slave state.
Rev. Arvil stated she will not allow ICE or law enforcement to enter the church. She will not abide by any laws which are illegal and immoral. At Carter Memorial they want to create an atmosphere where immigrants feel safe by not allowing any law enforcement agency to enter. They will provide food and shelter.
Through ‘Faith in the Community’ it will provide services such as ‘Know Your Rights’ and refer them for other services they maybe eligible. To the Spanish-speaking community, they want to provide moral support by not allowing Trump’s threats to put fear in their hearts.
The religious community is there to act as a buffer in their defense against raids by ICE.
Churches in the community only need to look at U.S. history such as slavery, Japanese encampments, etc. to see how cruel the government has been in treating immigrants.
Rev. Arvil sees ICE as bounty hunters similar to what slavery had with slave catchers. She sees thier roles just to arrest immigrants even if no crime has been committed.
Rev. Arvil sees as a possible solution to immigration law by allowing those interested in becoming U.S. citizens to apply for a petition. The petition would ask reasons why they want to become citizens and how they can contribute to the country.
Rev. Arvil defines sanctuary as a safe haven. Where immigrants are welcomed and feel safe and secure from ICE raids.
The Trump administration does not have the right to say who can stay or leave. Trump’s message to make America Great again is a fallacy. The question should be when has America ever been great.
