Local church members join "We Are America" march

In the wake of ferocious raids around the country, pro- immigration reform protesters took to the streets in Denver during the Democratic National Convention, with signs saying, "We Are America."

Among the thousands of marchers was Louise West, a member of Washington Park UCC and a long-time middle school teacher.

West says she got involved three years ago, when the historic May 1 walkouts were showing the country how significant the immigrant presence was. When her students got up to leave class that day, "I walked out with them - to make sure they were safe," she says.

The march took place Thursday, Aug. 28 near Civic Center Park. Pictured at left is WPUCC member and Iliff student Nancy Rosas (center), with members of the community from El Centro Humanitario and from Comunidad Liberacion.

Public advocacy toward Justice and Peace

The United Church of Christ Justice and Peace Action Network (JPAN) posts the following:

"Postville, Iowa. Dulles Airport, Virginia. Providence, Rhode Island. Immigrant raids aren’t immigration reform.

In recent months agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have carried out well-publicized immigration raids in factories, meatpacking plants, construction sites and other workplaces employing undocumented immigrants. ICE calls these workers criminals because immigration law forbids employers to hire them, but while workers get deported, often leaving their children with relatives or even strangers, the employers who benefited from their cheap labor will not go to jail.

Since ICE can't deport all 12 million undocumented workers in the country, it has developed a plan that seeks to deport 500,000 workers who have overstayed their visas, offering to deport their US citizen children or legal resident children and spouses as well, presumably as a humanitarian gesture. In case these workers are not sufficiently enticed by this offer, ICE announced that it has over 100 teams of agents working full time to seek out and arrest these half a million people who, even according to ICE, have done nothing wrong except come to this country, accept employment from U.S. companies, pay taxes and support their families.

ICE agents have been seen outside of schools, waiting for parents to come to pick up their children, many of whom are U.S. citizens. In some states ICE has recruited local police to set up road blocks as people come out of churches on Sunday. ICE agents continue to knock on doors in the middle of the night to arrest workers and in the process, terrorize their children.

After the recent raid at Dulles Airport, advocates for immigrants with the National Capital Immigrant Coalition, complained that ICE officials refused to grant the detained men access to a lawyer even though the advocates arranged for one to be present. The tactics employed by ICE have earned sharp congressional rebuff.

Questionable tactics, civil rights violations, and abandoned children will not solve our immigration situation. Both presidential candidates support a comprehensive immigration reform. So does President Bush. Until there is such a bill and unless we start addressing the root causes of migration throughout the world, the tension between undocumented workers and our government will continue.

Please contact your Member of Congress during recess and let them know that while political realities may stall comprehensive immigration reform being achieved by this Congress, that ICE raids are not the American way to deal with our immigration problem."

Comprehensive view of Latino ministry in Colorado

An informal survey of Colorado UCC churches has been nearly completed, with the Unidos por la Esperanza network gaining narrative information and inspiration about Latino ministry in our midst.

Members:
Latina/o individuals (1 or more) are in membership at congregations in Colorado Springs, Denver, Aurora, and Greeley. The language used at these worship services is English. One new congregation is forming which uses both Spanish and English - Comunidad Liberacion has current worshipping attendance of 20 people.

Mission Partners:
Long-time UCC members give time and energy to a number of advocacy and non-profit organizations including Pikes Peak Justice & Peace Commission, Denver Justice and Peace, La Puente, Denver Inner City Parish, Justice for Janitors campaign, Coloradoans for Immigrant Rights, and the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, as well as various housing and relief projects. These organizations sometimes do educational programs at churches to raise awareness. In addition, some congregations have donated to the nearest Catholic church after nearby anti-immigrant raids and deportations.

Clergy:
Currently Rev. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi is the only Latina/o UCC minister in Colorado. She may soon be joined by Iliff student Nancy Rosas. Bilingual ministers (with Spanish as a second language) include Rev. Benjamin Broadbent, Rev. Malcolm Himschoot, Rev. Melinda Townsend, and In Care pastor Anne Dunlap.

Neighborhoods:
Neighborhood ministry remains a challenge for congregations, whether they are located in a lower-income area but attract regional commuters, or whether they are located in an upscale area where the majority of Latinos can work but cannot afford to live. Despite the challenges, some congregations are taking initiative. Click to read the article on "Latino Ministries" in the Rocky Mountain Conference UCC newsletter.

Everyday justice and injustice

News from Colorado's capitol shows that Latinos are organizing for positive social change. Yet, they face daunting opposition.

It can be a long wait for papers legalizing one's status in the U.S.A. Part of the process of is taking citizenship classes in preparation. The Latina Initiative organizes not just citizenship classes, but also efforts at full participation for those who own citizens' rights and responsibilities -- for example, voting. The next workshop is Saturday, July 12, from 9-3:30 at Mi Casa Resource Center, 360 Acoma, in Denver, CO.

Janitors in the Denver Metro area, including Aurora and the Denver Tech Center, recently won a historic negotiation with their employer. Through the Justice for Janitors campaign, SEIU members won a salary increase, more full-time jobs, and family health insurance. The new contract will take effect over the next four years, and will affect virtually every janitorial worker in a major office building.

Day laborers face harassment in Aurora, and opposition to their attempts to secure a safe gathering place. El Centro Humanitario is seeking community members' support and testimony outside the City Council meeting on Monday night, July 14, at 6:30 p.m -- at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. El Centro seeks a site to ensure fair wages and practices for workers, and reliable labor for employers.

"One in the gospel": New worshipping community begins in Englewood

A new worshipping community in the model of a Latin American base community has begun gathering in the basement of Mayflower UCC. The first worship service (pictured) was Sunday night.

A dozen people gathered for this first service, months after preparation began in the form of a committee gathered by Pastor Anne Dunlap. Her vision spread as she finished seminary and began talking to folks about "a place where whites and Latinos can struggle for justice together."

Dunlap has always believed in the church as a force for change. Her vision of developing a new church arose gradually, with affirmation from mentors, friends, pastors, and a core group of interested worshippers. Mayflower's support has been key - including use of the space, which can be arranged in the round, with a communion table in the middle, and a quilt for babies to play on.

Dunlap has experience in Central America, the Southwest, and the Central Pacific Conference. She plans to stay in the metro area to grow Comunidad Liberacion, while also staying active in non-profit and activist communities.

At Liberation Community's first worship, excitement was high. The bilingual service will continue Sunday nights at 5:30 p.m. at 3001 S. Acoma in Englewood -- no doubt attracting more and more people who believe "we are all unified by a liberating gospel, and by a love for all of America, its land and people."

Immigration Plunge coming soon to Denver

Church folks who can't get to the border can nonetheless find themselves at the 'frontera' in Denver, come August 3-9. That is when the ecumenical Urban Servant Corps will be hosting the first Immigration Plunge in this area, building on the experience of Lutheran-affiliated immersions both in Mexico and at the Mexican border.

UCC members are among those invited to participate. Twelve slots are available for a week-long experience led by Urban Servant Corps member Drew Rindfleisch.

Laura Folkwein is a member of Sixth Avenue UCC and directs Denver's USC program coordinating volunteers for a year at a time living in intentional community. Folkwein says, "I am so excited that Drew has taken this on. It is something we hope to continue in future years."

San Luis Valley ministry relies on UCC contributions

"Every year, La Puente depends on collection at churches for 'migrant kits,'" explains Shirley Bowers, of Hilltop UCC in Parker.

The 'migrant kits' hold hygiene products, washcloth, towel, and sunscreen, commonly used by folks first arriving to the San Luis Valley area. They are looking for work.

Hilltop has sponsored projects such as the collection for more than 20 years, beginning with Jean Sherer's involvement with Advocates for San Luis Valley. More folks were led into this ministry upon visiting La Puente several years ago for an 'interpre-tour.'

Bowers was impressed with the leadership of La Puente. She noticed an ethos which treats each person not as a client but as a guest - whether they are there for a short time, for a 2-year program toward independent living, or long-term.

"This has always been an area with low employment, except for the college, industry, and migrant labor," said Bowers.

She is quick to point out that she is not the only one to have participated in Hilltop's La Puente relationship, with her partner and grandchildren. Church youth have gone to work in a fall gleaning program benefiting area shelters with produce, while adults have supported the food bank, thrift store, Christmas gifts, and many other programs.

La Puente is an official mission partner of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ. La Puente, which means "The Bridge," also offers 2-year volunteer service placements through the UCC's Partners in Service.