Minnesota Faith Leaders Lean Into Community Mission

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – A group of Minnesota faith leaders gathered after the fatal shooting carried out by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis.

One church leader said they are also part of a community chain connecting affected immigrant neighborhoods with basic needs. Pastors from several denominations spoke at an event in honor of Renee Good, the protester shot and killed by an ICE agent. Her death has sparked nationwide debates about whether the shooting was justified and the growing presence of ICE agents in cities across the nation.

Rev. Susie Hayward, minister for justice organizing and adult faith formation at Creekside United Church of Christ in Minneapolis, said some congregation members have already been transporting neighbors who are worried about being arrested to work and school, while delivering groceries to their homes.

“All of this is driven out of their grounding and commitment to the greatest command: to love God, and love neighbors,” Hayward explained.