Dear sisters, brothers, and people of faith and conscience,

 

In the wake of painful loss and through the painful realities of immigration enforcement, especially ICE, we speak with heavy hearts and steadfast resolve. Our faith calls us to witness suffering, to seek mercy alongside justice, and to affirm the humanity of every person. We condemn violence, dehumanization, and anything that endangers neighbors, and we call on leadership to tell the truth, pursue accountability, and uphold human rights, due process, and the rule of law. We name the cases of Renee Nicole Good, 37, killed by an ICE agent, and Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, shot by Border Patrol agents during a protest, and we urge independent, transparent accountability with access to body-worn camera footage and related data. We grieve the difficult realities of immigration enforcement and advocate for humane, dignity-centered responses.

 

Faithful principles for a just society: safety, due process, and humane treatment for all; accountability with mercy; healing through dialogue and restorative justice; leadership that protects life, liberty, and safe communities. We, as people of faith and as citizens, see our government safeguarding the rights and freedoms of every person, upholding equality before the law, and governing with transparency, accountability, and mercy. We also welcome neutrality, accommodation, and non-discrimination; freedom of practice; reasonable accommodations where safe; access to essential services and neutral aid; protection from discrimination; impartial law enforcement; due process under a system free from establishment of any faith; and that neutral laws apply to everyone.

 

Guiding Values and Commitments: Independent accountability with public understanding; inclusive, community-informed oversight; policies that reduce civilian risk and support de-escalation and cultural competence; ongoing access to essential services, transparent processes for concerns, and compassionate, timely communication.

 

We invite peaceful, faith-informed action: prayerful discernment, nonviolent outreach, support for affected families, and education that builds solidarity.

 

As Black women of faith, we stand for life, dignity, and justice with courage and humility. We urge our government to defend the rights and freedoms of all of us—with compassion, transparency, and accountability.

 

In solidarity and service,

NBSC Leadership and Members