We stand in solidarity with all our migrant neighbors, especially immigrants who are living in fear in these fraught times. Fundamental in the life of a Christian community, we take a stand to welcome the stranger, as our Scriptures instruct.
Saint Mark's supports and connects parishioners with a variety of local migrant justice organizations. We also partner with Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) and the Archdiocese of Seattle on accompanying community members to immigration-related appointments.
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.
Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. — John 13:34
Partners
The Archdiocese of Seattle’s Immigrant and Refugee Ministry provides care and resources for immigrant families and hosts immigration summits, walking pilgrimages, vigil Masses, and other faith-based advocacy efforts.
The Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network is a coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights organizations and individuals that strive to protect, serve and strengthen support capacity and resources to build power and a united voice in Washington.
If you’d like to join our migrant justice efforts, email migrantjustice@saintmarks.org.
Sanctuary
From March 2019 to December 2021, Saint Mark’s Cathedral offered sanctuary to Jaime Rubio Sulficio—a Mexican immigrant, husband, father, and business owner—while he sought a legal remedy that would allow for a stay of deportation to keep his family together.
The tradition of Sanctuary has deep biblical and historical roots as offering places of welcome, hospitality, and moral protection in sacred space for people who fear harm of violence towards them. Saint Mark’s joined the “For Such a Time as This” Sanctuary network of the Church Council of Greater Seattle in response to the unjust system targeting many Seattle area immigrants for deportation.
Community Resources
The best way to stay informed and active is to be on the mailing lists of the organizations who are at the forefront and to join their efforts as able. In addition to our partners at WAISN and the Archdiocese of Seattle, these local groups include work on both direct service and policy change:
Riverton Park United Methodist Church provides a stunning array of services for and with our migrant neighbors – including case management, a legal clinic that helps with asylum applications and work permits, a food pantry, a thrift shop, and housing assistance.
Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW) supports immigrants at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma – both while in detention and upon their release.
Casa Latina is an immigrant workers rights organization in Seattle that empowers low-wage Latino immigrants to move from economic insecurity to economic prosperity and to lift their voices to take action around public policy issues that affect them.
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education.
The City of Seattle's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs has a wonderful list of resources and programs on their website. One of their programs includes the Immigrant Legal Defense Network.
Faith Action Networ (FAN) is an interfaith statewide partnership striving for a just, compassionate, and sustainable world through community building, education, and courageous public action. Their legislative agenda and action includes protecting immigrant families in our state.
