A Pastoral Response on Immigration Enforcement
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 11/18/2025)—What follows is a brief letter from three senior leaders of American Baptist Home Mission Societies on behalf of its Board of Directors addressing recent and ongoing immigration enforcement actions by federal authorities.
Dear American Baptist Family,
The Board of Directors of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) stands in prayerful solidarity with the people of Chicago and the many faith leaders who have been courageously engaging the moral challenges facing their communities. The recent events of November 14, which included the arrest of several clergy and faith advocates during a peaceful demonstration outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Broadview, Illinois, highlight the deep concerns felt by religious leaders across the city regarding human dignity, justice, and compassion.
Among those arrested was Rev. Michael Woolf—pastor of Lake Street Church in Evanston, Illinois; a 2023 recipient of the Edwin T. Dahlberg Peace and Justice Award; and a respected American Baptist voice whose writing for The Christian Citizen exemplifies our tradition’s commitment to conscience and public witness. His involvement serves as a prominent example of the broader prophetic and pastoral engagement demonstrated by many faith leaders throughout the Chicago area.
As American Baptists, we affirm that every human being is created in the image of God and worthy of dignity, respect, and care. The current situation in Chicago—felt acutely by immigrant and asylum-seeking families, by congregations offering support, and by faith leaders seeking justice—reminds us of the urgent need for compassionate and prayerful engagement.
We are mindful that the immigration enforcement actions taking place in Chicago are happening in other cities including Charlotte, Los Angeles, Memphis, Portland, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. We denounce the dehumanization and cruelty of the current approach and extend our support to American Baptist churches and leaders across the United States and Puerto Rico as they continue to live into the gospel in their cities and communities.
ABHMS has long stood in solidarity with immigrant communities, advocated for civil rights, and been a public witness in times of moral crisis. We call upon our American Baptist family to join us in:
- Praying for all clergy and congregations offering leadership, support, and moral clarity during this time.
- Praying for immigrant and asylum-seeking neighbors who face fear, uncertainty, and displacement.
- Encouraging constructive, grace-filled dialogue on matters of immigration, human dignity, and faithful public engagement.
- Supporting efforts toward humane, transparent, and just immigration policies that honor the worth of every person.
We hold faith leaders, churches, and communities across Chicago—and across our nation—in our hearts and prayers, trusting that the peace of Christ will guide all who work for justice, mercy, and the flourishing of every neighbor.
In peace and solidarity,
Rev. Dr. Jamie Washam, President, ABHMS Board of Directors
Rev. Trevor Hyde, Vice President, ABHMS Board of Directors
Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director, ABHMS & CEO, Judson Press
On behalf of the ABHMS Board of Directors
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
