Patrick, who runs the inner-city ministry of the United Methodist church in Birmingham, says being a good Samaritan could now be illegal.
"This new legislation goes against the tenets of our Christian faith — to welcome the stranger, to offer hospitality to anyone," she says.
At First United Methodist Church in downtown Birmingham, clergy from around the city take turns leading a prayer service called in response to the new immigration law.
Episcopal priest Herman Afanador, Baptist pastor Amanda Duckworth, and Methodist minister Melissa Self Patrick are part of a growing chorus of critics who say the Alabama law goes too far, criminalizing all kinds of contact with undocumented residents. It's illegal, for example, to knowingly enter into a contract with, to rent to, to harbor or to transport illegal immigrants.
Full Article on NPR
Sometimes I think the deep south is another country. The surprising thing about this congregation and the conundrum the pastor has is half of the congregation supports this legislation. I have shallow religious roots but I stand by them steadfastly. My number one, which is the back bone of the Unitarian Faith, is the see the inherent self worth of every single human being. I am currently a member of a Methodist church in progressive Portland, and there is no way our church would support a law such as this. A church or any institution should be able to aid who they same fit. Me not being religious in the traditional way, I still see not much religion or compassion in people who would deny aid to anybody because their paperwork is not in order or as some imply their skin or country of origin is different than theirs.
I applaud this church for fighting this statute even if some of the congregation do not support it. It has to start somewhere. Standing up for people should not be a crime.
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