Statement to the Pantagraph.

This is a statement from Rev. Dr. Kent King-Nobles that was sent as a Letter to the Editor to The Pantagraph on January 23, 2025.

Disrespect of Churches
As a faith leader, I’ve been asked by church and community members about recent statements suggesting that the government might no longer respect churches as places of sanctuary. Specifically, proposals have been discussed that would allow agencies like ICE to enter churches without permission to search for individuals suspected of lacking proper documentation.
While most of us can agree that our immigration system is deeply flawed and in need of reform, I am alarmed by the prospect of our government disregarding the longstanding values and traditions of houses of worship. Churches have historically served as places of refuge, offering safety and care to the most vulnerable, regardless of their circumstances.
The principle of separation of church and state has been a cornerstone of our democracy, ensuring that faith communities can minister freely to all people. This proposal undermines that freedom, as well as the trust that many marginalized individuals have in faith communities to provide compassion and support.
It is essential to uphold the sacredness of sanctuary in houses of worship, where the values of mercy and justice transcend political divides. If our government moves forward with this troubling overreach, I will join others in resisting such actions, as they erode the moral fabric of our nation.
I hope that, as a country, we can find solutions to our immigration challenges that are both compassionate and just—without compromising the principles of religious freedom and human dignity that we hold dear.

Rev. Dr. Kent King-Nobles
First United Methodist Church
Normal, IL