New Mexico Faith Coaliltion for Immigrant Justice

Volunteer Opportunities to Support Immigrant Families

2012-01-10T22:09:00.000-08:00

The New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice has formed teams of volunteers to give support to immigrant families in our community. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Daniel Erdman, staff person for NMFCIJ, at 505-459-0855.

Each team is in partnership with the family that it supports. We do not wish to create dependency but rather to aid the family in identifying and prioritizing their own needs and seeking their own resources.

There are several categories of NMFCIJ volunteers providing services.

· Direct contact teams of two or three people are assigned to a specific family to help them organize and use the resources they need in their time of crisis

· Research volunteers help identify community resources beyond those already known, and also update information about known resources regarding policies and practices toward undocumented immigrants; they report this to NMFCIJ.

· Transportation volunteers give backup to the contact teams when the schedules of the latter do not allow them to help a family with a legitimate transportation need; they also may be contacted by Ricardo Chávez for help with some of his clients who are not matched with a NMFCIJ team

· Child care volunteers are currently slated to help with child care during the ICE Hold workshops at Plaza de Encuentro

Religious Community Opposes Martinez Executive Order

2011-02-09T17:54:00.000-08:00

Published in the Albuquerque Journal on 02/10/11

The New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice sent this letter in response to Gov. Martinez' new Executive Order authorizing State Police, Park Rangers, Fish & Wildlife Wardens to ask for immigration status:

It is with great sorrow that we read about Gov. Martinez's Executive Order 2011-009 which requires mandatory immigration verification on the part of New Mexico State Police. The Executive Order reads, in pertinent part: "State law enforcement shall inquire into the criminal suspect's immigration status, and report relevant information to federal immigration enforcement authorities." [emphasis added] We have questions about the legality of the Executive Order. Its provisions are sadly similar to a section of Arizona's SB 1070 that the U.S. District Court enjoined the State of Arizona from enforcing. That section required mandatory immigration status determinations upon arrest. The Court's rationale was that this section of SB 1070 placed an unlawful burden on immigrants who were lawfully present.

In addition, the Court found that the number of requests that would emanate from Arizona as a result of determining the immigration status of every arrestee was likely to impermissibly burden federal resources and redirect federal agencies away from the priorities they have established. New Mexico Executive Order 2011-009 appears to place the same illegal burdens on lawful immigrants and on federal resources. Even more troubling is that Executive Order 2011-009 is broader in scope than the aforementioned section of Arizona SB 1070. The Executive Order requires immigration status determinations not simply of arrestees but of "criminal suspect[s]". We read this to mean that even when there is less than probable cause that a person has committed a crime (the standard for arrest), as, for example, at a simple police stop, state law enforcement will inquire into the person's immigration status.

We are concerned that pursuant to Executive Order 2011-009, law enforcement can use a police stop for the real purpose of ascertaining a person's immigration status. There is also the danger that people of color will be targeted. It is unlikely that a blond and blue-eyed person stopped by the state police will be asked about his or her immigration status, but likely that Hispanic-looking individuals will. We believe that this Order is an invitation to illegal racial profiling. However, our greatest concern is not with the likely illegalities of the Executive Order, but with its effect on the undocumented immigrants in out midst. These individuals, who live and work among us, will know even greater fear of deportation and separation from family members. Because of this fear, they will be less and less likely to report crime, and our community will be less safe for everyone. As members of various faith communities, we are committed to welcoming the stranger. Our faith requires us to respect the rights and dignity of all and to work for humane immigration reform. We believe that state laws such as Executive Order 2011-009 are not the solution. Such laws criminalize immigrants and compel them to live in fear. Instead, we advocate for comprehensive immigration reform based upon respect for human rights and dignity.

We know that someday soon Washington will pass an equitable immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Until that happens, we oppose all actions of the State of New Mexico that increase fear of the authorities on the part of undocumented immigrants and that make it more likely that they will face deportation. We believe that we must treat the undocumented immigrants in our midst with the same respect and and compassion that we treat all others.

Sincerely,

Rev. Daniel Erdman, United Church of Christ

Pastor Anita Amstutz, Albuquerque Mennonite Church

Fr. Rafael Garcia, SJ, Pastor Immaculate Conception Church

On behalf of the New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice

Second Annual Las Posadas Prayer Service for Immigration Reform

2010-11-16T19:30:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, Dec. 15th, people of many faiths will gather at the Federal Building in downtown Albuquerque at the corner of 4th & Lomas, to give prophetic witness to the need for just immigration reform. Every day, immigrants go to the Federal Building to find out their fate in our broken immigration system. As people of faith, we believe that our immigration system is unjust and breaks apart families. Across the United States, people of faith will hold Las Posadas prayer services to call for immigration reform.

Educational Series on Immigration and Faith

2010-09-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

Two Albuquerque churches, Immaculate Conception and St. Michael All Angels Episcopal, are hosting series this fall on faith and immigration issues.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church will host an 8 week "Just Faith" series on immigration.

St. Michael All Angels Episcopal Church will host a four part series on Sunday evenings about immigration and Christ.

Please check with both these churches for more information.

July 29th: Vigils Against Arizona's Law SB1070

2010-07-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

Albuquerque faith groups, along with hundreds across the United States, will hold a Vigil for Immigration Reform on July 29th from 7-8pm at First Congregational UCC (corner of Girard & Lomas).

July 29,2010 is the date that Arizona's law will go into effect which has local law enforcement checking immigration status. The law has been condemned by faith groups around the world. The law has also been challenged by the US Dept of Justice, ACLU, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Tucson police officer Martin Escobar, and the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders.

NM Faith Coalition At City Hall...Again

2010-06-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

On Monday, June 7th, a vigil to call attention to the impact of city policies and ICE on immigrant domestic violence survivors brought more than 100 people together. The vigil was held outside of City Hall before the weekly City Council meeting. The vigil ended with the English and Spanish singing of "We Shall Overcome" and a silent march into the City Council chambers.

Rev. Daniel Erdman, a local UCC pastor, read a statement to the City Council on behalf of the NM Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice and the NM Conference of Churches. We stood up as he read this statement:

Statement – City Council – June 7, 2010

My name is Daniel Erdman, and I represent the New Mexico Conference of Churches, which is a member of the New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice.

A number of organizations and coalitions are present today, and I ask their members to please stand and remain standing at this time.

We come with one message: the Albuquerque community cannot be divided over the issues relating to immigration, and immigrants must not be blamed for the difficulties we face as a city and as a society.

We are ONE Albuquerque!

New Mexico has a proud tradition of diversity and cultural enrichment. Although economically poor, we have become an example of how people of different races, ethnicities, cultures and faiths can not only coexist with each other but also appreciate and celebrate our differences. We cannot allow influential people to devalue this tradition for short-term political advantage.

Not a sign of simple tolerance or indifference, our traditions of diversity rather express the best of our values, whether religious or humanist, values on which this nation was founded and without which it will perish: “that all are created equal, with certain inalienable rights, that among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Therefore:
• We denounce any political tactics that would scapegoat the most recent arrivals in our midst.
• We resist any public pronouncements that forget our own histories and experiences of immigration.
• We abhor any veiled or explicit defamation that would equate immigrants with criminality.
• We protest the criminalization of those who have only violated a civil code in seeking a better life for their families.
• We renounce the terminology that would describe any human person as being “illegal”.

I ask all those who are standing to remain in silence for a moment, to reflect on these our common values and to silently express our hope that we as the community called Albuquerque, and the State of New Mexico, can together put into practice our civility, our unity and our humanity.

NM Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice at City Hall

2010-05-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

On Monday, May 17th, members of the NM Faith Coalition joined a packed City Hall to show support for the Garduno/Sanchez measures on the agenda which challenged Mayor Berry's new procedure for local law enforcement and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) as well as calling for a boycott of city funds in Arizona, like so many other cities have done.

Members of the coalition also spoke to City Council during the 5 hour meeting, including Rev Anita Amstutz of Albuquerque Mennonite Church, Melissa Jameson of St. Michael All Angels Episcopal Church, Renee Wolters of First Unitarian Church, and immigrant Lily Otto.

The NM Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice also distributed bright orange stickers that said "Keep Abq Immigrant Friendly" and more than half the room wore the stickers to identify that they were in favor of the Garduno/Sanchez measures.

Unfortunately, the measures failed by one vote. Please thank Councilmembers Rey Garduno, Ken Sanchez, Debbie O'Malley, and Isaac Benton for supporting compassionate immigrant policies.

NM Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice Opposes Arizona SB 1070

2010-05-18T20:46:00.001-07:00

The New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice opposes the new law in our neighboring state, Arizona, which further criminalizes immigrants. We have signed on to this statement by the national new sanctuary movement:

"The National New Sanctuary Movement today renews its commitment to take a moral and united public stand in support of compassionate immigration reform. As guardians of society's values, faith leaders have the capacity and moral duty to support families suffering under unjust immigration laws. Millions of Americans who are members of our religious communities seek answers from us, not only about our nation's laws, but also, more importantly, God's laws.

It is for this reason that members of the New Sanctuary Movement, representing clergy and lay leaders from many faiths and denominations from across the country, condemn Arizona's SB 1070. We call for its immediate repeal, and we will resist these efforts that attempt to divide our communities. Resistance to this law is in solidarity with all God's children, and the New Sanctuary Movement will be in public witness to reveal the suffering of families under SB 1070.

We echo the sentiments of Juan Carlos Ruiz, Catholic leader and co-founder of the New Sanctuary Movement, who has promised resistance: "Anything that belittles or debases the human person is an offense and an insult against our God and must be resisted with all the resources of our faith traditions that call us to build a world of compassion, justice and peace."

Called by the demands of our faith, we insist that our elected leaders pass an immigration reform bill that is humane and just, a bill that ensures family unity and mitigates harsh enforcement provisions, which has worker protections and a rational path to documented status. We are unanimous in our belief that all people, documented and undocumented, must be treated humanely and justly."

May 1st: Day of the Immigrant

2010-04-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

The NM Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice is proud to sponsor the May 1st Concert, Vigil and Fiesta for Immigrants in Albuquerque. From 6-8pm we will gather at the new Plaza Encuentro (714 4th St SW between Coal & Bridge) to celebrate immigrants in Albuquerque and support humane immigration reform in our country. We will be participating in an interfaith vigil at 6:30pm. Please join us!

Honoring a Man of Faith: !Cesar Chavez Presente!

2010-03-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

The New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice will celebrate the life and work of Cesar Chavez by marching on Saturday, March 27th at 11am from the Westside Community Center to the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Cesar's deep faith sustained his struggle to get recognition for the people who feed us.
"From the depth of need and despair, people can work together, can organize themselves to solve their own problems and fill their own needs with dignity and strength."

Cesar wrote the book "My Faith In Action", sharing the power of faith put towards social justice.

Please join us Saturday either at the march or the National Hispanic Cultural Center!
More info at: cesarchaveznm.org

Opportunities to Learn More about Immigration & Faith

2010-02-08T21:57:00.001-08:00

We in the New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice care about educating ourselves and our community. We host a monthly training on different topics as part of our meetings:

Understanding Immigration Policies: Rachel LaZar of El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos (Nov 2009)
Introduction to Immigration Law: Rebecca Kitson, immigration attorney, 1st UU (Feb 21, 2010)
The Migration of Central Americans: Fr. Rafael Garcia, Immaculate Conception (March 7, 2010)
Understanding Asylum: Dr. Tom Davies (April TBA)

Please join us in understanding the issues around immigration to the United States and discuss how people of faith can show hospitality and compassion.

NM Faith Coalition Meets with Mayor's Office about Immigration Policy

2010-01-25T21:54:00.000-08:00

Fifty five local religious leaders signed a letter from the NM Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice to Mayor Berry expressing concern about immigration policy in Albuquerque. Every member of City Council was cc'd on the letter.

After receiving the letter, the mayor's office offered to meet with the coalition. Five representatives of the New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice, including a Catholic priest & new immigrant, an Episcopalian & ESL teacher, a Unitarian & immigration attorney, a Christian leader and former APD/Community Relations board member, and a recent immigrant, met with a representative of Mayor Berry's office for more than an hour to discuss policy.

The mayor's office was presented with faith statements on immigration from the mainstream Christian, Jewish and Muslim perspectives. He was also provided with a study conducted by the National Police Foundation in May 2009 that found that when local law enforcement tries to enforce federal immigration law, the result is a decrease in public safety, a diversion of scarce resources, and an undermining of police-community relations. Read the study here:
http://www.policefoundation.org/strikingabalance/strikingabalance.html

We urged Mayor Berry's office to change current APD policy regarding certification of crime victims applying for a U-visa (specific visa granted to crime victims and witnesses who assist with prosecution)—currently APD has a blanket policy NOT to certify these victims, requiring that U-visa petitioners go to NM state police for certification, which is difficult and time-consuming. We also expressed that we do not support a change in APD policy which would mean enforcing federal immigration laws (the work of ICE not local law enforcement).

We were pleased that the mayor's assistant took extensive notes and dialogued with us for almost 1.5 hours. We look forward to ways in which we can help create better public safety policies in Albuquerque which reduce racial profiling and criminalization of migrants.

Immigration Statements from the Religious Community

2010-01-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

American Baptist Churches
"Because of the Biblical mandate that we be a caring and hospitable community, that we love our neighbors, that we establish justice and proclaim liberty; because we have a sense of Christian responsibility to serve human needs; because of our commitment to respect the human rights of all people; and because we are mainly a nation of immigrants, we, the American Baptist Churches USA, shall.."
http://www.abc-usa.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=sb4Hh%2BQXhqw%3D&tabid=199

American Friends (Quakers)
"The work of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in immigrant communities is based on our belief in the worth and inherent dignity of every person.."
http://www.afsc.org/ImmigrantsRights/

Church of the Brethren
"out of obedience to our heritage and the Gospel mandate, the Church of the Brethren affirms legislation and public policies which welcome and promote the welfare of immigrants and refugees..."
www.cobannualconference.org/ac_statements/82Refugees.htm

Church of the Nazarene
"“We believe that all people, regardless of national origin, are made in the “image of God” and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect (Genesis 1:26-27, 9:6). We believe there is an undeniable biblical responsibility to love and show compassion for the stranger among us (Deuteronomy 10:18-19, Leviticus 19:33-34, Matthew 25:31-46). We believe that immigrants are our neighbors, both literally and figuratively, and we are to love our neighbors as ourselves and show mercy to neighbors in need (Leviticus 19:18,Mark 12:31, Luke 10:25-37).We believe in the rule of law, but we also believe that we are to oppose unjust laws and systems that harm and oppress people made in God’s image, especially the vulnerable(Isaiah 10:1-4, Jeremiah 7:1-7, Acts 5:29, Romans 13:1-7)."
www.missionstrategy.org/missionstrategy/Portals/0/pdf/mmpdf/CCIRStatement.pdf

Community of Christ
"Any public policy, including legislation, that dehumanizes or denies basic human rights to any group or person, that forbids Christians from extending hospitality to resident immigrants, or that prevents churches from serving immigrants through their ministries should be challenged. Such policies deny the worth of people by excluding them from communities where they may be welcomed, find spiritual homes, and receive peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit...."
www.cofchrist.org/immigration/immigration/asp

Episcopal Church USA
"The Episcopal Church, through the resolutions passed at General Convention and Executive
Council, is committed to working to reform an immigration system that separates families,
spreads fear and keeps millions living in the shadows."
www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/Immigration_Brochure.pdf

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
"The newcomers in our church from around the world remind us that all of us in the Church of Jesus Christ are sojourners, "for here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come" (Hebrews 13: 14). As we journey together through the time God has given us, may God give us the grace of a welcoming heart and an overflowing love for the new neighbors among us."
www.elca.org/socialstatements

General Assembly of the Union of Reform Judaism
"Jewish tradition is clear on the treatment of immigrants. The Torah articulates a basic principle to which the Jewish people clung through two millennia of diaspora and disenfranchisement: “When strangers sojourn with you in your land, you shall not do them wrong. The strangers who sojourn with you shall be to you as the natives among you, and you shall love them as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 19:33-34). This principle of equal rights for citizens and non-citizens alike permeates not only Jewish tradition, but the American legal tradition as well. As inheritors of an immigrant history ourselves, we have a unique responsibility to ensure that the rights of non-citizens are not trampled upon today."
urj.org/socialaction/aboutus/reso//?syspage=document&item_id=10820

Islamic Society of North America
"Injustice towards immigrants: Three years ago, thousands of Arab and Muslim men were called to report to local immigration offices across the United States to be registered, fingerprinted, photographed and interrogated."
http://www.isna.net/articles/News/Injustice-toward-immigrants.aspx

Jewish Council for Public Affairs
"Comprehensive reform of the United States immigration system is long overdue. The current morass of illegality, human suffering and violence must be ended.
In 2004, the JCPA adopted a resolution in favor of comprehensive immigration reform...
The following resolution on immigration reform is founded upon American values of democracy, tolerance, entrepreneurial spirit and equality under the law and core Jewish values of human rights, human dignity and fairness.
http://engage.jewishpublicaffairs.org/t/1686/blog/comments.jsp?blog_entry_KEY=427&t=

Mennonite Church USA
"We reject our country’s mistreatment of immigrants, repent of our silence, and commit ourselves to act with and on behalf of our immigrant brothers and sisters, regardless of their legal status."
http://www.mennoniteusa.org/Home/Members/ChurchwidePriorities/StatementonImmigration/tabid/111/Default.aspx

Muslim American Society
"The MAS Freedom Ten Point Legislative Agenda supports comprehensive immigration reform, with safeguards for undocumented workers in the United States and a fair and equitable process for gaining legal immigration status for these workers"
http://www.masnet.org/news.asp?id=4133

National Association for Evangelicals
"Discussion of immigration and government immigration policy must begin with the truth that every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28). Immigrants are made in the image of God and have supreme value with the potential to contribute greatly to society. Jesus exemplifies respect toward others who are different in his treatment of the Samaritans (Luke 10:30-37; John 4:1-42)."
http://www.nae.net/resolutions/347-immigration-2009

Unitarian Universalist Association
"Our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to recognize that no one is "the stranger," to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and to support the use of justice for all people."
http://www.uua.org/socialjustice/issues/economicracial/immigration/index.shtml

United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ
"As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors. The Bible is unambiguous in instructing us to welcome aliens and strangers in our land, and to love them as we love ourselves. In these times, let us listen to the voice of the still-speaking God. We will learn how to respond to these new sisters and brothers residing among us."
http://www.ucc.org/justice/immigration/

United Methodist Church
"..We therefore call The United Methodist Church; to call local churches to seek ways to welcome, assist, and empower the refugee, immigrant, visitors, and undocumented person in their neighborhood, and to denounce the persecution of the sojourner in the U.S. as prejudicial and racist; [and] to request the General Board of Church and Society to work for public policy that is hospitable to visitors in the United States in every step of entry and visit to the U.S."
http://www.umc-gbcs.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=frLJK2PKLqF&b=3631781&ct=3957095

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
"The so-called “illegals” are so not because they wish to defy the law; but, because the law does not provide them with any channels to regularize their status in our country – which needs their labor: they are not breaking the law, the law is breaking them."
http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/

Vision and Mission of the Coalition

2010-01-03T11:08:00.000-08:00

We are a faith coalition in New Mexico responding to our country's broken immigration system because our religious traditions teach us to practice hospitality and promote social justice. We are affiliated with the national New Sanctuary Movement and faith groups all around the country. We seek to educate our communities, provide compassionate services, and advocate for humane immigration policy.

Clergy and laypeople from seventeen congregations across the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area have been meeting since May 2009. We meet every other Sunday afternoon, and congregations take turns hosting meetings. Please refer to our calendar to find out about upcoming meetings and events.

Most of us are immigrants to the United States in one manner or another. We remember that our relatives left their ancestral homes and immigrated here, hoping for a better life. New Mexico welcomed them and enabled them to establish roots, creating the rich and multicultural region that we love. We are proud of the diversity of our city, where 73 languages and dialects are reflected in the student body of our public schools.

We seek to educate our community about immigration, provide compassionate services, and advocate for humane policies that promote family unity and respect the inherent dignity of every person.

NM Religious Participate n Las Posadas Vigil atAbq Dept of Homeland Security

2009-12-15T21:31:00.000-08:00

More than 70 people from eight local churches, several immigrant rights groups, and immigrant families gathered with candles and processed to the Department of Homeland Security in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The local band, L@s Otr@s, brought guitars and a violin and led the group in traditional Las Posadas songs.

Six clergy/religious leaders representing the Catholic, Episcopal, Unitarian, United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ, Mennonite and Quaker churches read statements from their faith traditions about immigration. Some read from the Bible; others gave sermons.

Univision, the largest Spanish language television network, covered the events and interviewed multiple people, including an immigrant family who bravely shared their horror story of immigration. A local newspaper also covered the event.

Security officers from DHS did approach the gathering but moved back from the crowd when a Catholic priest began reading from the Bible.

The event was organized by the New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice. The vigil coincided with Rep. Luis Gutierrez's introduction of comprehensive immigration reform today in the US Congress.

Click these links to read the media coverage of the event:
http://ncronline.org/news/justice/las-posadas-call-action

Las Posadas Vigil Dec.15, 2009 5:30pm in Abq

2009-12-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

Join clergy and laypeople from congregations around Albuquerque/Santa Fe for a Las Posadas vigil to the Department of Homeland Security, where ICE holds immigrants in temporary detention.

Tuesday, Dec. 15th, 5:30-6:30pm
Meet at the corner of Renard Pl SE and Buena Vista SE (near airport)
Light candles and process to the Dept of Homeland Security.

We will sing Las Posadas songs and hear statements on immigration from a faith perspective from several local religious leaders.

During this holiday time of year, we want our families to stay together, not broken up by our immigration policies.

This vigil is part of a national Las Posadas journey occurring from the West Coast to the White House from Dec. 10-18, 2009. Read more about it on the post below.

For more information about the Las Posadas vigil in Albuqueruqe, call: 842-7343.

Las Posadas: Shine A Light from Coast to Coast. National Days of Action Dec. 10-18, 2009

2009-11-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

Immigrants and Faith Communities are coming together from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. to shine a light on the urgent need for just and humane immigration reform! Albuquerque, Ventura County, Portland, Seattle, Kansas City, Chicago, Milwaukee, and cities/towns across the country are participating with them.

National Days of Action: Dec 10th (International Human Rights Day) until Dec 18th (International Migrants Day)

Las Posadas 2009: Light a Candle from Coast to Coast and re-enact our journey as a nation to ‘welcome the stranger’ by showing the history and hope of refusing and then welcoming immigrants. The activities begin on Dec. 10, 2009 International Human Rights Day and end on Dec. 18, 2009 International Migrant Day. Starting in communities on the West Coast and moving across the country, we will light candles or hold candle lit vigils in the tradition of the peregrines, remembering that we have all been immigrants and strangers in this land.

Like the Posada tradition of going from house to house, we will hold the vigils from city to city, and the final destination of this Posada is the White House, where we can hope for leadership on compassionate immigration reform and a joyful celebration of accepting immigrants just as Maria and José were finally accepted.

Las Posadas (literally "the inns" in Spanish) is an annual celebration symbolizing the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to find posada (shelter) in Bethlehem to birth Jesus (Luke 2:1-9). Traditionally celebrated in Mexico, New Mexico, and Latin America, it is a way of preparing for La Navidad (Christmas) and is believed to have started in the 16^th century.

Traditionally, each family in a neighborhood will host a night for La Posada at their home, beginning on the evening of Dec 16th and ending on Dec 24^th, Christmas Eve. Every host acts out the part of the innkeepers who turn Maria and José away. The neighborhood children and adults carry candles and act the part of the peregrines (pilgrims) who look for lodging by going from house to house singing a traditional song. Usually people play the roles of Maria and José or they use figurines from a nativity set. Even today, a real burro (donkey) is often used for Maria to ride.

At each house, the host responds by refusing to give lodging (also in song), until the weary peregrines reach the final place, often the church, where Maria and José are finally allowed to enter. Then the joyful celebration begins, which might include prayers, caroling, piñatas, fireworks or bonfires, candy, and food.

Dec. 10, 2009 - Dec. 18, 2009

Why between these dates? There are many important holy days that fall before, during, and after these dates, connecting communities of faith from around the United States and the world.

International Human Rights Day – Dec 10^th

Tevet – Important Jewish fast day Dec 10^th

Hanukkah begins Dec 11^th – ends Dec 19^thOur Lady of Guadalupe Day is Dec 12^thDecember 18^th – Al-hijira (Islamic New year and marks the migration of Mohammed and his followers from Mecca to Medina)
Bodhi – Celebrates Gautama’s attainment of enlightenment – Dec 18^th

International Migrant’s Day Dec 18^th

First “Posadas” (Christian re-enacting asking for room at the “inn”)– Dec. 15^th and nightly to Dec. 25th