Two North Central San Mateo Congregations Pledge Sanctuary for Vulnerable Neighbors

In separate but simultaneous votes on Sunday February 26th the Congregational Church of San Mateo (151-14) and The Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo (63-6) approved resolutions to provide physical refuge for those facing deportation orders.

With overwhelming support, the congregations moved to adopt Sanctuary Status in response to the current administration’s policy proposals to target and deport millions of undocumented immigrants. These are the first two congregations on the peninsula to offer physical sanctuary on religious property, supported by a growing coalition of multi-faith communities.

In alignment with their beliefs and traditions, CCSM and UUSM are joining with other faith communities across the country as part of the New Sanctuary Movement that call them to protect and stand with immigrants facing detention and deportation.

"Our Unitarian Universalist principles call us to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of all people; to seek justice, equity, and compassion in human relations, and to create world community with peace, liberty and justice for all. We commit our values to action as we work with other people of faith and moral conscience congruent with these principles and this purpose. Deportation of our neighbors and the breaking up of immigrant families in our communities are among the most compelling social justice issues of our time. Standing together on the side of love, our faith communities can make a real difference." --the Rev. Ben Meyers, minister of the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo

“Each week we gather in our beautiful sanctuary to remember who we are as a people of faith who follow the teachings of Jesus. For us, providing refuge means opening that sanctuary as a “safe place” to those who are an integral part of our community, and providing a haven for families to stay together.” –The Rev. Dr. G. Penny Nixon, senior minister of the Congregational Church of San Mateo

Revs. Meyers and Nixon are also active in encouraging and supporting the City of San Mateo becoming a Sanctuary City and work with the Peninsula Solidarity Network, an interfaith collaboration organized to address social justice issues at the local level.