AMHERST — As a recognition of their support and care for people of all backgrounds, religious advisers from several faith traditions came together in an Amherst College chapel to consecrate the space Thursday morning.
But while members of Resurrect, the Amherst College Gospel Choir sang protest songs, including “We Shall Overcome” and “Ella’s Song,” and concluded with the spiritual “Sanctuary,” the consecration of Chapin Chapel doesn’t ensure that it will be a safe space for undocumented students should President-elect Donald Trump change immigration policies and step up efforts to detain and deport individuals and families.
Paul Sorrentino, director of religious and spiritual life at Amherst College who organized the event, said it was important for advisers from the Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Catholic faiths to join together to demonstrate to students that they are committed to human rights.
“They want to support students in any way they can legally,” Sorrentino said.
While initial plans were to make Chapin Chapel a formal sanctuary, similar to some churches that have joined what is known as the Sanctuary Movement, college spokeswoman Caroline Hanna said taking such action is not possible.
“We will protect our students to the extent possible within the boundaries of the law,” Hanna said.
Hanna added that the event was not planned by the college. “They are not acting on behalf of the college,” Hanna said.
Trump has pledged to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, an immigration policy under President Obama that allows students who entered the country as minors to remain in the United States, assuming they are in school or have completed school and have no criminal record.
Still, Sorrentino, who is the adviser for Protestant students, said having the consecration was a statement to the campus community, and the Amherst area, about the kind of campus Amherst College is.
“We share a common commitment to the members of the community and their welfare,” Sorrentino said.
In fact, during the course of the 30-minute event, observed by more than 25 people, religious advisers at Amherst College supported remaining a welcoming venue.
Rabbi Bruce Bromberg Seltzer said ethical obligations embedded in the Jewish Bible are to provide comfort and welcome.
“This chapel… is a place that should be a place to welcome all, as the community is, as the campus is,” Seltzer said.
Protecting everyone’s rights, especially those on the fringes of society, is vital, said Catholic adviser Deacon Roger Carrier.
“Peace to this community, peace to the neighboring communities, and peace to the universe,” Hindu adviser Manju Sharma said.
Buddhist adviser Mark Hart said the concept of loving kindness is done, foremost, but guaranteeing all beings live peacefully and happily.
Jane Pierre, an Amherst College senior from Boston who sings in Resurrect, said she appreciated the atmosphere created by gathering people of diverse faiths.
“I definitely felt it was powerful, and I’m glad I attended,” Pierre said.
Pierre said concerns about what Trump will do as president, in particular with immigration, is a topic on the campus.
“I feel like there’s a split, some of the students have anxiety, are fearful and angry, “ Pierre said. “The rest of the students, they may be Trump supporters, are silent or hidden away.”
But Pierre said she is confident there is support on the campus for all students.
Hanna said that resources are provided on the college website that can be used, from advocates specializing in immigration to understanding police protocols.
“As we previously emphasized, we indeed care deeply about the concerns of students who may be worried about immigration issues, and that is why we are providing a wide range of resources to assist those individuals,” Hanna said. “At the same time, we have upheld the law and always will.”
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
