Standing with Our Neighbors

In light of the socio-political challenges in our country and our call to be an extension of Christ’s welcome, Trinity Lutheran Church & Schools remains committed to standing in solidarity with our neighbors.

Guided by Trinity’s values of Impactful Relationships that provide support for life’s journey and the Inclusion of all people, the Diversity and Inclusion Ministry Team (DIM) has written a statement of faith and commitment. This statement seeks to ensure that our congregation moves beyond words to actively live out our faith and values of inclusion.

The letter was presented to the Church Council on March 20, 2025, for affirmation and release to the congregation.

As we walk together, the Congregation Council encourages you to read the letter below and actively seek ways to support the immigrant community in all places and at all times.

In Christ,

Mark Schmidt, Trinity Council President

Hector Garfias-Toledo, Lead Pastor

Standing with Our Neighbors: A Call to Action on Immigration from the Diversity and Inclusion Ministry

Dear Trinity Lutheran Church & Schools,

As members of the Diversity and Inclusion Ministry, we believe that our faith calls us to embrace and celebrate the rich diversity of human experience. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are valued, respected, and affirmed, regardless of their background or origin. This commitment extends to our immigrant neighbors, who are an integral part of our community and our church family.

Recent actions regarding immigration policy, specifically the rollback of protections for vulnerable populations in places of worship, schools, and hospitals, directly contradict our values of inclusion and justice, and, more importantly, they contradict Jesus's call to love our neighbors as ourselves. These actions create fear and division, undermining the very foundation of our society.

On February 14, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton issued a powerful video message denouncing this rollback and urging us to raise our voices in defense of the vulnerable. She reminds us that we, as ordinary people united in faith and action, possess a unique power to effect change. We are church together, and together we can and must act. You can view Bishop Eaton's message here: [LINK]

The Bishops of Region One of the ELCA, including our own Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee, have also issued a statement on immigration, reminding us of our scriptural mandate to show hospitality to the stranger and to advocate for just and merciful policies. They rightly point out that “Immigrants…are not intruders or enemies but bearers of the image of God, deserving of our care, respect, and advocacy.” Their full statement can be found here: [LINK]

We are deeply concerned about the potential for increased suffering and fear within our communities. The idea that places of worship, schools, and hospitals – safe havens for all – could be targeted for immigration enforcement is unacceptable. Such actions would not only harm undocumented individuals and families but also create a climate of fear that prevents people from accessing essential services and exercising their fundamental rights.

While the ELCA churchwide organization is not positioned to be a plaintiff in the legal challenges to this executive order, congregations can demonstrate the harm they would experience due to this policy change and thus have standing in these lawsuits. This is one avenue for action we can explore.

But beyond legal challenges, we are called to be a voice for justice and compassion. We urge you to consider the following ways to engage:

• Educate yourselves: Learn more about the complexities of immigration and the impact of current policies on our communities. 

  • ACLU - Immigration Rights

  • National Immigration Law Center: With specific recommendations for churches

  • NELP-NILC: What to do if immigration comes to your workplace

• Contact your elected officials: Express your concerns about this policy change and urge them to support humane and just immigration reform.

  • Find Your Members in Congress 

  • https://5calls.org/ 

• Support organizations working with immigrants: Many local and national organizations are dedicated to serving and advocating for immigrants. Consider volunteering your time or donating to their efforts. 

  • Northwest Immigration Rights Project 

  • Refugee Women’s Alliance 

  • Immigrant and Refugee Services for Snohomish County 

  • Lutheran Community Services Northwest 

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• Engage in respectful dialogue: Talk with family, friends, and neighbors about the importance of welcoming and supporting immigrants. 

  • ELCA Immigration 

  • Tips for Talking about Immigration 

  • 5 Principles for Talking Politics with Friends and Family 

• Pray for guidance and strength: Lift up those affected by unjust immigration policies and pray for a just resolution.

  • A prayer for the public church (All Creation Sings): Mighty and merciful God, lover of justice and equity, you call us to support the weak, to help those who suffer, and to honor all people. By the power of your Holy Spirit, make us advocates for your justice and instruments of your peace, so that all may be reconciled in your beloved community; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. 

As the Diversity and Inclusion Ministry, we are committed to standing with our immigrant neighbors and advocating for policies that reflect the love and justice of Jesus Christ. Our Church Council, along with ministry leaders, are currently crafting a protocol to guide our congregation in how we can best respond to this situation. This protocol, which will outline specific actions and resources, will be shared with the congregation soon. We encourage you to join us in this important work. 

In Christ's love,

The Diversity and Inclusion Ministry

Theresa Anderson, Susan Erikson, Liz Gimmestad, David Horton (staff ministry team leader), Kirsten Lunstrum, Judy & Rudy Schleusner, Edy Strand, Megan Valencia-Lashley, Michelle Weber