Dear People of God in the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont,

Earlier today, the Ven. Susan McMillan and the Rev. Earl Kooperkamp were arrested while protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the ICE offices in Williston. Archdeacon McMillan and the Rev. Kooperkamp are uninjured and were released from police custody quickly on citation.

Archdeacon McMillan and Rev. Kooperkamp joined a smaller group who chose to enter the offices, aiming to disrupt the work of ICE. This was planned as a nonviolent action by a broad grassroots coalition of Vermont faith leaders. A larger group additionally gathered to protest outside of the offices. A statement from Archdeacon McMillan can be found at the bottom of this email.

As Christians, we are called not only to bear witness to injustice but to act. When Jesus tells us to love our neighbor, that is not a passive action. It is constant, immediate, and proactive.

Civil disobedience, which has a long history in our country and in the Episcopal Church, is one way we actively love our neighbors. It demonstrates our commitment to striving “for justice and peace among all people, and [to] respect the dignity of every human being” as we state in our baptismal covenant. I am further reminded of Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do good; seek justice; rescue the oppressed; defend the orphan; plead for the widow.”

May today’s witness by Archdeacon Susan and the Rev. Kooperkamp inspire us all to stand with the marginalized and vulnerable among us in whatever ways we can answer that holy call.

God of Justice, you have called us to be a people who stand for justice and peace. As this day comes to a close and this action ends, may all that began today be the catalyst of freedom. May our words, thoughts, and deeds lessen the likelihood of harm and empower others to take up the mantle of the prophet. May all that has happened be pleasing to those who have stomped these streets in the past and who continue to tread down the way with us. Bring rest to our bodies and spirits so that this evening we may be refreshed for the next day’s trials.

Keep guard over those in prison and those in the shadows. Protect those in harm’s way and liberate those who cry out.

We make this prayer in the name of all that is good, holy, and beautiful. Amen.

Prayers for Protesting Faithfully, The Episcopal Church

The Rt. Rev. Shannon MacVean-Brown

11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont

Statement From Those Protesting:



Our national leaders, claiming to be Christian, authorize heinous and immoral policies, and the implementation of those policies starts right here.

Every day, from this building, ICE surveils, determining which man, woman or child should be targeted. And then that person, or someone mistaken for that person, or a brown skinned person who happens to be nearby, is kidnapped, incarcerated without due process, and their life destroyed.

If Jesus were here in the US today, he could easily be caught in this trap and deported. This is not Christianity and I have to fight this cruelty in every way I can.

The Venerable Susan McMillan

Archdeacon, Episcopal Diocese of Vermont