It has been over 6 months since the height of Metro Surge that terrorized our cities and ripped families apart. With all that has happened since then it is easy to forget just how profound the harm was. As we prepare our hearts and minds for the next election, the possible outcomes of that election, and our Christian action options, we felt it important to remind ourselves and each other of what happened and how faithful Christians responded.
Listen to the Rev. Katherine Lewis of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Minnetonka; Rev. Daniel Ruth, executive director of Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry; and Rev. Amanda Lunemann of Grace United Methodist Church in Burnsville share their experience protesting Metro Surge at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport last January.
Each say they felt a calling to be at the airport protest, despite the risk of arrest and the reality of the bone-chilling cold. Lewis said she felt certain about participating.
“I had no hesitation that this was the right thing I was supposed to be doing,” Lewis said.
The group said their message is rooted in faith and truth rather than partisanship. Lewis said the experience also made her think about what others face when detained and deported.
“I cannot even imagine having my ankles shackled and my wrists and being on a plane and being deported. So I was just kind of like, ‘get a grip, Lewis, this is nothing,'” she said.
They said the kind of public witness they chose is not for everyone, but they believe everyone can be called to act in some way. Lewis posed the question directly.
“What are you called to do?” she said.
Please listen to these clergy discuss their faith and experience of public christian witness. And, join us at 11:30 in the parish hall on Sunday, September 27 as we begin a 3 week discussion on what we, St. John’s congregation, will do to declare our Love Out Loud. (Please be sure to RSVP here so we can plan for the right amount of food.)
“Clergy Members Arrested Protesting ICE” from CBS News’ Bigger Than Belief podcast by Adam Duxter and Nick Lunemann:
Click here to listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Part 1 and Part 2
Click here to watch the podcast on YouTube: Part 1 and Part 2