Sanctuary Leadership Team

Committee Mission: The SLT supports the church’s activities as a “sanctuary church,” which primarily entails hosting guest(s) who live in our church as they engage in their journey in the U.S. immigration system, whether avoiding deportation or in some other manner such as seeking asylum. We have also engaged in related activities, such as advocating for changes in immigration law, fundraising for and granting remittances, and leading an immigration justice vigil.

Committee Member Role: All members engage in the significant decision-making necessary to carry out our mission. We also undertake varied individual roles, which vary considerably:

• Direct or indirect guest support, e.g., weekly meetings, laundry, supplying of food or clothing, improvement of our basement spaces

• Facilitating the work of volunteers in the congregation who are not on the SLT

• Communications with community partners, other sanctuary churches or sanctuary networks, our lawyers, the congregation

• Learning about and promoting immigration justice initiatives to the congregation

Amount of Time Committed:  Varies significantly depending on whether we have guests in residence and the role undertaken as to those guests.

Typical Meeting Schedule: Also varies. Generally once per month. More often when, e.g., we are considering bringing in a new guest.

Average Number of Committee Members: 10 people

Other Relevant Roles: Our committee welcomes participation in this ministry other than through membership in the deliberative body of the SLT. Non-SLT members have contributed to the leadership of the vigil, to repairing and furnishing the basement spaces, to a recent clothing drive, etc. 

Interested in joining or learning more? Please email mpucengage@gmail.com