Treat the Stranger as the Native

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

This week, the federal government threatened to surge immigration enforcement operations in the Bay Area. While San Francisco has received a temporary reprieve — thanks to the courage and diplomacy of Mayor Daniel Lurie — men, women, and children around the Bay still remain very much at risk.

I want to state clearly and without hesitation: as a welcoming, sanctuary parish, we stand with every member of our wider human family — regardless of race, regardless of citizenship, regardless of immigration status. “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love them as yourself” (Leviticus 19:34). This command — echoed plainly by Jesus: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35) — is not politics. It is the call of every disciple of Jesus.

These days are a call to root ourselves even more deeply in Jesus — choosing peace over violence, hope and love over fear, and solidarity over division. In fraught moments such as these, small things are big. Stay attentive to neighbors and co-workers, to service workers and acquaintances. Keep your hearts — and your doors — open. Tell those afraid to leave their homes about our Neighbor-to-Neighbor ministry for groceries and essentials, and remind them of our livestream Mass.

If you see immigration enforcement activity, respond with compassion and conviction, and report it to a Rapid Response hotline (listed below). If possible, document what you see from a safe distance. Do not confront. And do not look away.

Our Solidarity Ministry continues its work in actively accompanying and advocating for migrants, and updates are being posted at stignatiussf.org/solidarity-ministry. Watch this space for ways you can stand with and accompany our sisters and brothers.

Pope Francis has spoken plainly: “Every migrant has a name, a face, and a story. No one can remain insensitive before their suffering.” St. Ignatius Parish will raise its voice in that same spirit — proclaiming the dignity of every child of God, acting in love for all, and standing firm in the peace of Christ.

Oremus pro invicem,

Fr. Greg

Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership (ACILEP)

• Phone Number: (510) 241-4011
• Operating Hours: M-F 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Website: www.acilep.org/

Marin Rapid Response Network

• Hotline: 415-991-4545
• Website: www.multiculturalmarin.org/mrrn

West Marin Rapid Response Network

• Hotline: 415-755-3622

Stand Together Contra Costa

• Hotline: 925-900-5151
• Website: standtogethercontracosta.org

San Francisco Rapid Response Network

• Hotline: 415-200-1548
• Website: sfilen.org

San Mateo County Rapid Response Network

• Hotline: 203-666-4472

Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network

• Hotline: 408-290-1144