We are living in a time when communities face heightened harassment, criminalization, detention, and deportation. As the U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement continues to target, detain, and deport migrant families and children, our faith calls us to act. At a time when we wait for a decision from the Supreme Court determining the possibility of justice for millions of migrants living in the United States, our faith calls us to act. 

We must stand on the side of love as advocates for hospitality, compassion, and justice. UU congregations are taking action across the country, from collaboration with local migrant-led organizing to offering and providing Sanctuary.

We share an urgent message fromRev. Peter Morales, President of the UUA, calling on each of us-- as people of faith and conscience-- to take action for immigrant justice today. May we be emboldened to take courageous action for justice. 

UUA and Beacon Press Resources

For Children and Multigenerational Groups

• Muhammad: The Story of a Prophet and Reformer, a book by Sarah Conover. Discussion and Reflection Guide by Pat Kahn. Multigenerational workshops and religious education classes can use the book and discussion guide to explore the real Muhammad, discuss Islam today, stereotypes, and interfaith relationships.

• Ayat Jamilah: Beautiful Signs: A Treasury of Islamic Wisdom for Children and Parents, collected and adapted by Sarah Conover and Freda Crane. Stories drawing on the core of Islamic spirituality and ethics, the Qur’an, and folklore could be used in religious education classes, workshops, and multigenerational worship.

• Muhammad, a session from Creating Home (Tapestry of Faith). Intended for Kindergarten and Grade 1, but could be used with a wider age range of children. Workshop introduces Muhammad, and can be used with children in RE classes or as a basis for a children’s chapel service. Included stories might be used in Time for All Ages.

During this time of organizing and resistance, may we strengthen our resolve to work for racial justice and build beloved community. And Kicking off in the New Year on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend and concluding with a Valentine’s Day transformation, we will be honoring and observing Thirty Days of Love---a time for love, community, and prophetic action. 

From Saturday, January 16 through Sunday, February 14, 2016 people of faith and conscience will show up for Black Lives Matter and racial justice throughout the country as part of Thirty Days of Love. 

Last Sunday morning, November 14, Minneapolis police officers arrested #JamarClark, a young Black man from North Minneapolis. While there are many versions of what happened during the few minutes after his arrest, we have heard over and over again during the past week that Clark was unarmed, handcuffed, and on the ground when police officers shot him in the head. He died a few days later at the Hennepin County Medical Center.

Since last Sunday, we have witnessed a powerful swelling of action and resistance that has become known as the #Justice4Jamar #4thPrecinctShutdown. Protesters, following the leadership of groups like Black Lives Matter - Minneapolis, the Minneapolis NAACP, and the Black Liberation Project, have been camped out on the lawn of the 4th Precinct. Hundreds and hundreds of people have gathered for peaceful demonstrations, protests, marches, and community healing rituals. Community members have shown up in a steady stream, bringing donations of food and warm clothing and firewood to the protesters and offering one another moments of solidarity, tenderness, and shared struggle. While the media reports about “agitators,” those of us on the ground have witnessed a beautiful blossoming of community support, accountability, and building power.