Newark, N.J. – Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, and more than 35 religious leaders from various faiths gathered in Newark on Jan. 13 to oppose the anticipated mass deportations under the incoming presidential administration. The bilingual interfaith event, organized by Faith in New Jersey and Faith in New York, local federations of the national advocacy nonprofit Faith in Action, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Newark, focused on the spiritual and practical steps religious communities are taking to resist policies that threaten family unity.

The event, held at St. Lucy’s Church, brought together Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim leaders who expressed deep concern for immigrant families at risk of separation and displacement. Among the faith leaders present were New Jersey’s Catholic bishops, including Newark Auxiliary Bishops Manuel A. Cruz, Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., Michael A. Saporito, and Gregory J. Studerus; Camden’s Bishops Dennis J. Sullivan and Joseph A. Williams; Metuchen’s Bishop James F. Checchio; and Paterson’s Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney.

Cardinal Tobin, was among the faith leaders who offered prayers and spoke out against policies that threaten to break apart families.

“We’re deeply concerned about the potential impact of mass deportation on children and families,” Cardinal Tobin said. “Within the Catholic tradition and other faith expressions represented here today, we’re able to see the humanity in everyone. We care for the most vulnerable — children, the poor, the orphans, and yes, the immigrants.”

The cardinal outlined four core actions that faith communities are taking to show solidarity with immigrants: encounter, accompaniment, prayer, and advocacy. These actions include listening to immigrant stories, walking with families in solidarity, welcoming them into faith communities, and advocating for policies that protect them from harm.

The event also featured speeches from two immigrants, who described how many in their communities are terrified to leave their homes because they are afraid of being arrested. This called attention to the importance of protecting “sensitive locations” — places such as schools, churches, and hospitals — from immigration enforcement actions. The faith leaders present urged everyone to stay vigilant and advocate for the preservation of these protections, which are at risk under the new administration.

“Intimidating God’s people in their temples, schools, and hospitals would not be a good use of the law. It would be destructive to the common good,” said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ migration committee. “If it should come to pass that the new administration overturns sensitive location policy, then we should oppose this with our prayer and our fasting. We have to raise our voices to oppose it.”

The gathering included an interfaith service in which representatives from various religions each offered a prayer. As part of this ceremony, all were invited to write down the first names of immigrants they know and place them on a collection of rocks, a tribute that comes from the Jewish tradition. Those gathered then prayed that those immigrants will find peace during this period of uncertainty.

Cardinal Tobin concluded the event by thanking attendees for standing in solidarity with immigrants. He reminded all that this is not the end of the issue.

“We must show our love and respect for our immigrant brothers and sisters,” Cardinal Tobin said. “That is what we are modeling today for our communities across the region and country. We hope they are encouraged to care for immigrants during these challenging times.”

To learn more about how the Archdiocese of Newark supports immigrants, visit the archdiocesan Immigration Ministry’s webpage.

About the Archdiocese of Newark
The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics across northern New Jersey’s Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, the Archdiocese includes 211 parishes, 67 Catholic schools, and numerous missions and ministries committed to faith, education, and social service. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.

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