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In Richmond, California, people rallied outside the West Contra Costa Detention Facility to protest the separation of migrant families at the U.S./Mexico border. "There is no spiritual law that justifies separating children from their parents," said the Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae, minister of First Unitarian Church of Oakland. (Fox KTVU - 6.18.18)
In Grand Junction, Colorado, more than a hundred people rallied in protest of the Trump Administration’s policy of child separation. Cheryl Roberts, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley, said she attended Sunday's rally because something has to be done about the cruel practice of separating families. (Daily Sentinel - 6.18.18)
In Columbus, Ohio, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus organized a rally outside the office of Sen. Rob Portman to decry child separation. "Sitting on your couch isn't helping," said the Rev. Dr. Marian Stewart. "No one hears from that. You can't wait until November to vote. You actually have to show up now." (ABC 6 - 6.20.18)
More coverage:
“Video: ‘Westfield 6’ Arrested at ‘Clean Dream Act’ Protest Hold Press Conference” (Tapinto.net - 6.19.18)
“Children fill Senate rotunda wrapped in Mylar jackets to protest immigration detentions,” (Fox ABC 7 News - 6.21.18)
“Protest held to support asylum seekers” (San Diego Union-Tribune - 6.22.18)
Virginia congregation takes in domestic violence survivor targeted for deportation
A Honduran-born mother of two, Abbie Arevalo-Herrera, sought asylum in the United States when the father of her first child began making death threats against her. She is now facing deportation because U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has tightened asylum guidelines and domestic violence no longer qualifies a person for asylum. She is now taking sanctuary at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond, Virginia. (WTKR.com - 6.21.18)
More coverage:
“Immigrant mother and two children seek sanctuary in Richmond church” (Daily Progress - 6.20.18)
UUs at General Assembly make news for supporting Kansas City community activists
On the occasion of Juneteenth, a holiday widely celebrated in the black community but still not well known in white communities, Unitarian Universalists joined with local political activists to call attention to the ways that the criminal justice system hurts communities of color. (fox4kc.com - 6.19.18)
More coverage:
“Dozens celebrate Juneteenth in KCK, call for criminal justice reform” (Kansas City Star - 6.19.18)