A Word from Laura: Accompaniment

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, as part of our Engage Faith opportunities, we’ve invited the DC Congregation Action Network – a partner of Sanctuary DMV – to host an accompaniment training for us and for anyone who wishes to join us in showing solidarity and support for our neighbors, friends and family at risk of deportation.

Cindy Stevens and Betsy Carter were trained over a year ago, and have since volunteered at ICE check-ins and court hearings, with opportunities in DC, Virginia and Maryland.  Cindy has witnessed the impact of reducing the anxiety that migrants feel within the US legal system, but will tell you “the threat and fear of deportation is always real and present.”

She describes accompanying one woman in the process to the immigration court in Crystal City:

I was one of several volunteers with one compañera (partner); we sat in the back of the Court while the compañera and her lawyer addressed all the concerns the Judge had related to her asylum application.  We were introduced by the lawyer and acknowledged by the Judge. One of the volunteers spoke Spanish.  We had an opportunity to talk with the compañera and her family before and after the hearing.

Bearing witness to the hardships that migrants encounter and providing a modicum of support has been a way for me to take faithful action.

Both Betsy and Cindy will tell you more about the impact of experiencing the stories of the partners with whom they have volunteered; their stories have inspired me to the point where I’m ready to be trained myself!  Perhaps you are feeling led to be trained, too; if so, I hope you’ll join the group on Sunday, as we engage our faith for the sake of solidarity with our neighbors in the immigration process. Register here.

Towards peace and justice of Christ / àla paz y la justicia de Cristo,
Laura