AMHERST — While a downtown church is not promising physical sanctuary for immigrants who may be questioned by authorities and are at risk of being deported, its members are doing everything they can to ensure their neighbors are welcomed and protected in the community.

The First Congregational Church, by unanimous consent, on Sunday adopted a covenant that offers support and ensures dignity to all immigrants.

“It’s a public covenant, a commitment that says we’re an immigrant-welcoming congregation,” said Russell Vernon-Jones, the moderator for the church.

The aim is to protect all people, offer justice and promote practices that bring people together and end practices that divide.

“It states specifically we will support immigrant families, especially those who may be separated or facing deportation,” Vernon-Jones said.

The covenant reads, in part: “We practice hospitality to immigrants from all nations. We commit to supporting interfaith efforts protecting all people, acting with justice and compassion, and seeking to end practices that divide families and weaken our communities.”

A series of objectives are embedded in the covenant, supporting state and local legislation to create sanctuary communities; participating and helping create “circles of support” that can provide “know your rights” education, legal and housing assistance, and support funds; supporting “sanctuary in the streets” networks to accompany immigrants, congregants and neighbors facing deportation to hearings or other encounters with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and praying for immigrants and for current and future leaders to take positions of compassion with respect to immigrants.

The First Congregational Church has long taken positions in support of rights, 30 years ago becoming one of the first to declare itself open and affirming. It has also endorsed peace-building initiatives, anti-racist activities and Earth -friendly goals.

In the midst of adopting its new covenant, a banner proclaiming the church being welcome to immigrants and refugees was stolen from the front of the church over the weekend.

Vernon-Jones said church leaders intend to design a new banner, but would like to see the one purchased from Faithful America, depicting Mary and Joseph traveling through the desert, return. It’s unknown if it was a political statement or the result of a practical joke.

“Our hope is whoever took it will reflect on it and move toward a more pro-immigrant position over time,” Vernon-Jones said.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.

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