Statement: Standing Together for Justice and the Protection of Immigrant Communities

Statement from Brookline Interfaith Clergy:

Standing Together for Justice and the Protection of Immigrant Communities

January 28, 2026

As faith leaders in Brookline, we stand together at a moment of deep moral urgency. We stand with our immigrant neighbors, and we stand against injustice wherever it occurs. We stand together, fearful for the soul of our country, and yet we commit ourselves to act — to fight for a world where human dignity is honored, and all are safe.

We start here in Brookline, recommitting to: caring for our neighbor, protecting the vulnerable, welcoming the visitor, practicing compassion, justice, and loving-kindness. These are not abstract ideals — they are the core teachings of the world’s great religious traditions and the lived expression of genuine faith.

In Judaism, the Torah teaches us, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and to love the stranger, for we were strangers in the land of Egypt. In Christianity, Jesus calls us to care with compassion for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. In Islam, true belief is shown through care for orphans, travelers, and those in need. Bahá’ís commit to loving and serving humankind in pursuit of unity. Hinduism calls for selfless service and respect for the divine in every being, and Buddhism teaches compassion and loving-kindness toward all.

It is because of these shared spiritual commitments that we are outraged and heartbroken by the violence unfolding in Minneapolis and across the United States — where federal immigration enforcement has resulted in deaths, terrorized communities, and sparked protests in the streets. These actions are not isolated incidents; they reflect a system that too often prioritizes power over human life, enforcement over justice.

We mourn with all who grieve — especially immigrant families, people of color, and those who now fear seeking safety or accessing basic services. We call for immediate accountability for these actions, transparency in enforcement, and systemic change to ensure that no one is treated as expendable. Violence and fear have no place in a society that claims to honor the image of God in every person.

Now more than ever, our moral and spiritual traditions demand that we see the humanity and dignity of every person, regardless of immigration status, and that we stand boldly, speak out clearly, and act decisively in defense of those most vulnerable. Loving our neighbor must be more than an ideal — it must guide our policies, our communities, and our public life.

As clergy of many faiths, we affirm:

● The inherent worth of every human life

● The responsibility to protect the vulnerable

● The imperative to welcome the stranger with justice and love

● The call to be agents of peace, accountability, and healing in divided times

We pledge to be steadfast in our witness, resolute in our compassion, and united in action — until the day when all who seek refuge, safety, and dignity are met with justice and love.

Brookline Interfaith Clergy Association