Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

DHS Lawsuit

Judge Blocks ICE Enforcement In Houses of Worship | As Featured on Democracy Forward

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Democracy Forward Filed Suit on Behalf of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Gurdwara Sahib West Sacramento, Six Quaker Yearly Meetings

Court’s Order Blocks Enforcement In Plaintiffs’ Houses of Worship

Greenbelt, Maryland – Today, the U.S. District Court of Maryland issued an order blocking the Trump administration’s policy that enables immigration officials to enter houses of worship indiscriminately to conduct immigration enforcement operations. The order, which outlines the ways in which the Trump administration policy is likely to violate religious freedom and expression rights, applies to Plaintiffs’ houses of worship.

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Opportunities Following the PYM Lawsuit

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PYM meetings can support the lawsuit in a variety of ways.  This suit is a single step in a march toward seeking justice in the current state in our country.

While the need for the lawsuit—and for many other suits—may be daunting and depressing, the opportunity it brings for practicing our faith is energizing. There are five sections below, each offering a starting point for meetings to think about their next steps.

The primary motion to keep in the forefront, regardless of the focus or activity, is being obedient to the Spirit, faithful in strengthening our community, and effective in supporting our neighbors.

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How Meetings Can Support the Lawsuit?

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Friends and meetings want to be able to support the lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. While there is not a direct role, such as joining the suit, there are a number of important things that can be done.

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What To Do If ICE Shows Up at Your Quaker Meeting | PYM

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We are a community rooted in worship and in peace and justice. It is important for Quaker Meetings to be prepared if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement officials arrive at a Meetinghouse. This guide outlines steps to protect vulnerable individuals and uphold our values of sanctuary and solidarity. 

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The Decision Process of PYM’s Participation in the Suit Against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 

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On January 20th the president signed an executive order rescinding a 30+ year old policy of protecting “sensitive places” and allowing agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enter places of worship to detain immigrants. As a result, people of various faiths may avoid attending their houses of worship out of fear of government enforcement. This harms immigrants who feel compelled to stay home and also damages houses of worship and their members, who lose the ability to gather in worship as a community. PYM’s general secretary, Christie Duncan-Tessmer, was invited in mid-January to an informational meeting about a lawsuit that was forming to challenge the decision.

[Read more…] about The Decision Process of PYM’s Participation in the Suit Against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 

Share the Story of Your Meeting in Response of the DHS Lawsuit

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As Friends continue to worship, discern, and discuss PYM’s involvement in the lawsuit with the Department of Homeland Security, we encourage Friends, members, and attenders to connect with Christie Duncan-Tessmer, General Secretary of PYM, or Nikki Mosgrove, Presiding Clerk, with any questions or needs they have.
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Key Points on the Quaker Suit Against the Department of Homeland Security

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Below is essential information about the lawsuit. This may be helpful to Friends in PYM for their own understanding and for discussing the case with others, including local media.

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PYM Involvement in DHS Lawsuit

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Today, PYM joined our neighbors in New England and Baltimore Yearly Meetings as plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed against the Department of Homeland Security.

Friends are encouraged to learn more information about the lawsuit in the press release from Democracy Forward which filed the suit, as well as this article at NBC News. You can read complaint, by following this link.

The suit challenges an immigration enforcement decision that interferes with and could significantly impacts freedom of religion.

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