Philadelphia congregation leads weekly vigil for immigrants
The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia members take part in their first act of public witness
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, members and clergy from The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia gathered in front of Philadelphia’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices to lead a vigil. The interfaith vigil, number 12 in a 40-week series organized by the Rev. Christopher Neilson and the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, gathers members of the faith community across Philadelphia to engage in faithful public witness for dignity and justice for immigrant and refugee families.
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Philadelphia congregation leads weekly vigil for immigrants
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Philadelphia congregation leads weekly vigil for immigrants
The First Presbyterian Church, or "First Church" as it's known locally, opened the vigil with remarks from Associate Pastor Rev. Laura Colee. Although clergy led the vigil, the decision to participate originated from the congregation's Peace and Justice group. The session-recognized group was started organically by First Church members and has since become an approved mission of the congregation.
Diane Rogers, leader of the Peace and Justice Group at The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and Dave Huting, Vice Moderator of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, offer a prayer for the detained and deported.
The weekly Vigil for Immigrants takes place every Wednesday at noon and each week a different faith community leads. While The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia led on February 4, a large group of Presbyterians also gathered the prior week when West Kensington Ministry led the vigil.
Presbyterians and vigil participants worshiped, sang songs, and appealed to passersby on a busy Philadelphia street.
Rev. Matthew Arlyck, Minister for Congregational Care at The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, shares the impact of ICE and the federal government's actions on a member of the congregation. The unnamed member was once active in the life of the church but out of fear has isolated from their community.
While this act of public witness was the first of its kind made by First Church, the congregation is considering what continued action in supporting its immigrant and migrant neighbors looks like going forward.
Take Action
Find out more about immigration advocacy and accompaniment at – www.pcusa.org/immigration
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