Interfaith Community Statement Against ICE Raids

We, the members of the Briarcliff and Ossining Ministers Association, stand united in defense of the dignity and safety of our immigrant neighbors. We affirm that every human being carries sacred worth and deserves to live without fear or intimidation.

Across our diverse faiths and moral traditions, we share a common call: to welcome the stranger, protect the vulnerable, and honor the humanity of all people. Immigration raids that separate families and disrupt communities stand in direct opposition to these shared spiritual values.

We recognize the role of lawful governance, yet we affirm that laws must serve the cause of justice and compassion. The enforcement of immigration policy must never come at the expense of human rights, due process, or basic decency.

We call on all law enforcement agencies to act with integrity, fairness, and restraint. We call on the federal government to end militarized raids and to pursue humane and transparent immigration policies that strengthen, rather than shatter, the bonds of community.

As faith communities, we pledge to continue offering refuge, support, and solidarity to all who seek safety and belonging. We will not be silent while our neighbors live in fear. Our collective faith compels us to act with love, courage, and moral clarity.

We are one community—diverse in belief, united in purpose, and bound by our shared humanity.

Love your neighbor. Welcome the stranger. Protect one another.

These members and affiliates of the Briarcliff Ossining Ministerial Association endorse this statement. This is a personal endorsement not necessarily an endorsement from the organization they work for.

  • The Rev. Daniel Lawlor, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley
  • The Rev. Jeniffer Rodríguez First Presbyterian Church of Ossining
  • The Rev. Todd Farnsworth Briarcliff Congregational Church
  • The Rev. Velda Lowery Pastor Greater Love A.M.E. ZION Church
  • The Rev. Glenn M. Courtney First Baptist Church Ossining, N.Y.
  • Sister Ola Nosseir, Founder Our Common Beliefs
  • Rabbi Shoshana Leis Pleasantville Community Synagogue
  • Bishop Joan Whittaker HORAC Ministries Ossining
  • Carl B. Procario-Foley, Ph.D. Executive Director for The Center at Mariandale Dominican Sisters of Hope Leadership Team
  • Fr Francis J Breen Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
  • Rabbi Dina Rosenberg Congregation Sons of Israel
  • The Rev. Hal Roark, Grace Episcopal Church Ossining
  • The Rev. Jessie Turnier All Saints Episcopal Church
  • Rev. Tenku Ruff Beacon Zen Temple
  • Sr. Lelia Mattingly Maryknoll Sister
  • Sr. Rosalva Sandi Maryknoll Sisters
  • The Rev. Shaun Jones Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church
  • The. Rev. Tim Ives Scarborough Presbyterian Church
  • Dr. Robert J. Berson, Leader, Ethical Society of Northern Westchester (Retired)
  • Bill Ford Chief of Staff Mission Animator Maryknoll Sisters
  • The Congregational Leadership Team for the Maryknoll Sisters:
    • Sr. Teresa Hougnon, MM
    • Sr. Leonel Montiel, MM
    • Sr. Genie Natividad, MM
    • Sr. Claris Zwareva, MM
  • Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz Congregation Sons of Israel