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Greetings Good People of the MN UCC and Beyond,
We in Minnesota are facing a moment that requires deep faith and compassionate responses — which leads us to demand just outcomes for all those harmed by ICE raids, including our immigrant neighbors, witnesses, and the family of Renee Good.
In this email you will find a video from me answering the questions of what the Minnesota Conference staff are doing to respond to the occupation of 3,000 ICE agents deployed our state. I pray that it will be of comfort to you and invite you to pray for the Twin Cities and for cities around the country and world who are dealing with agents of tyranny and empire — as Jesus did when he looked over the city of Jerusalem and wept.
You may donate online to our efforts or in the video you will see a QR code that invites those who so choose to contribute to our emergency fund to support efforts on the ground. Choose the first option “Disaster Emergency Fund” and those dollars will all be given to people and organizations on the ground responding to this immediate crisis. We will continue to provide support to our leaders over this long campaign of cruelty.
In addition, also included in this email is another video – a gift to you and our churches. Singer/songwriter Rene Pfister at Berklee College of Music was inspired words he heard me speak:
"Hold fast to love in places where hate invades.
Hold fast to compassion when cruelty reigns.
Hold fast to justice, [‘til only peace remains.]"
He wrote the song "Promised Land," with music and lyrics by Rene, Jan Mankowsky, and Destiny Cooper. It is our gift to you to use in worship, with your organizational setting, or to personally inspire you for the days ahead. The music lyrics and chords are included. Be sure to give appropriate attributions when you do share this important work with others.
Stay strong, be courageous, take care of your bodies and your spirits.
Jesus has prepared us for this moment. Rev. Dr. King has done the same.
We have what we need.
God is with us.
—Rev. Dr. Tanya Sadagopan
Minnesota Conference UCC Minister
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