The Episcopal Church is encouraging its members to use its Protesting Faithfully toolkit amid growing outrage over the killing of Renee Good, a 37-year-old Minnesota woman, by an ICE officer on January 7. Good’s death has intensified nationwide protests against increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement tactics under the second Trump administration. In response, clergy and lay leaders across the country are reaffirming their commitment to protest as an expression of Christian faith and moral witness.
Clergy Ground Protests in Christian Teachings
Episcopal clergy like the Rev. Wendy Abrahamson of Iowa emphasize grounding public protest in Jesus’ teachings. Abrahamson believes that faithful protest means showing compassion for those who are suffering. Similarly, the Rev. Cara Ellen Modisett of Virginia sees physical presence at protests as vital, especially in conflict zones. Both argue that public witness reflects Christian love and justice, rather than political partisanship.
Rising Risks Fuel Faithful Engagement
Protests have escalated since Good’s death, with DHS defending ICE and deploying reinforcements in Minnesota. Clergy like the Rev. Anne Marie Witchger of New York say this violence is a turning point, compelling more faith communities to act. Witchger’s church hosted a candlelight vigil honoring victims of ICE, drawing crowds seeking a peaceful response. She stresses that these actions represent the kind of country Americans want to build in the future.
Protest Chaplains Offer Peaceful Support
The Protesting Faithfully toolkit encourages clergy and laypeople to serve as “protest chaplains.” In Georgia, lay leader Tammy Pallot wears a labeled yellow vest while offering spiritual and emotional support at demonstrations. Trained to de-escalate tense situations, Pallot says protesters often share faith stories and express relief at seeing a church presence.
A Nonpartisan, Faithful Response to Injustice
Episcopalians stress that their protests transcend politics, focusing instead on justice for the vulnerable. Modisett warns against letting Christian nationalism distort the faith’s message. Instead, clergy point to Jesus’ own public witness, such as his entry into Jerusalem, as a model for courageous action rooted in love, not hate.
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Episcopalians ‘protest faithfully’ against authoritarian abuses, bearing Christian witness
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