Sanctuary Justice

The mission of the Sanctuary Justice Ministry Team (SJMT) is to provide a Unitarian Universalist faith-based response to the concerns of those in our community who are vulnerable to unjust practices and policies that target migrants, asylum seekers in our community and internally displaced persons migrating to our state.

In 2016, under the ministerial direction of our former co-ministers Janne and Rob Eller-Isaacs, a team of congregants began providing and has continued to provide direct support and assistance to immigrants in our community. Our work is rooted in a long-standing Unitarian Universalist history of sanctuary justice work and in the shared values of Unity Church: human worth and dignity, open-hearted engagement, welcoming the stranger, and courageous action in the name of justice.

Support Sanctuary Justice Now

Given the current changes in immigration policy and enforcement practices, as well as policies that have targeted the LGBTQ+ community, the SJMT began the process of renewing our commitment to direct support while expanding our capacity to focus on education for Unity members on the impact of policy; enforcement changes and legal protection; advocacy for legislation and public policy; and activism to stand with the immigrants in our community and internally displaced persons migrating to our community. We are doing this work in partnership with social justice teams from other churches (including local UUA churches), multi-faith-based organizations, and secular community organizations with whom we share common cause.

List of opportunities for congregation wide involvement, service, advocacy: 

• sign-up for court watching
• participate in marches and rallies
• help us fundraise

• join us for book reads, films and discussions
• support our work by working with one of our many coalition partners

Please complete this form if you are interested in learning more about the team. 

Opportunities for Deeper Involvement

EDUCATION

Join for quarterly meetings to plan and support SJMT education activities and Wellspring Wednesday offerings.

ADVOCACY

Join for quarterly meetings to plan and support SJMT advocacy activities and policy.

BOLD ACTION

Join for quarterly meetings to plan and support SJMT in organizing participation in marches and rallies.

FUNDRAISING

Join for quarterly meetings to plan and support SJMT to lead fundraising efforts.

DIRECT SERVICE

Join monthly meetings or as necessary to plan and support SJMT’s direct service.       

CORE GROUP

Meets monthly or as necessary to coordinate efforts of the whole team to carry out our guiding values.