A Latino prayer vigil brought Episcopalians together online on April 21, centering on solidarity with Latino communities and immigrants. The Episcopal Church’s Office of Latino Ministries hosted the Spanish-language service, so participants could pray in shared grief and hope. Western Massachusetts Bishop-elect Miguelina Howell co-led the vigil with Latino leaders and Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe. The gathering drew 187 people, and the chat filled with prayers in Spanish and English.
Howell Frames Prayer as Spiritual Resistance
Howell called the vigil an act of spiritual resistance because human rights abuses continue beyond the headlines. She said Latino identity is not defined by documents, politics, or public opinion. She grounded her identity in God’s call, and she urged the church to remember the suffering. Howell also described Latinos as part of a vulnerable community, but she insisted the church cannot afford to forget.
Organizers Respond to Ongoing Enforcement
Plans grew after Karla Sikaffy duPlantier joined a January virtual vigil mourning deaths tied to immigration enforcement actions. She said this Latino prayer vigil served as a reminder that ICE raids continue. She also said the moment created space to stand with those affected, and to pray with them. Data cited during the vigil pointed to large numbers in custody, including 60,311 migrants and asylum-seekers as of April 9.
Bishops and Leaders Offer Prayers Across the Journey
Howell highlighted Minnesota Bishop Craig Loya’s leadership during January raids in the Twin Cities area. She noted that the raids turned violent, and two protesters died. Loya read a weekly prayer for children in detention centers. Other bishops read prayers for people in detention, including leaders from Puerto Rico, Honduras, and Los Angeles. Clergy and lay leaders offered nine more prayers for people at every stage of migration.
Rowe Urges Staying Awake, Supporters and Detractors Weigh In
Rowe said Christians gather to pray so they stay awake in perilous times. He said prayer summons courage to resist forces that dull awareness. Participants echoed that call, and they prayed for neighbors’ hearts, for fearful migrants, and for civic leaders seeking guidance. Supporters see the Latino prayer vigil as a faithful witness and an urgent call to care because families face separation and fear. Detractors may worry that the church crosses into politics, and they may question public resistance tied to immigration enforcement.
Church’s Latino Ministries hosts Spanish-language vigil in support of communities, immigrants
Photo by James Lee on Unsplash
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