Statement of Moral Urgency
Given the increase in immigration enforcement, detention, and arrests in Texas — and the fact that Texas now holds the largest population of immigration detainees in the nation — St. David’s Episcopal Church has adopted the following statement to serve as our guiding framework moving forward. The statement was drafted and voted on by St. David’s Advocacy Group, unanimously approved by our Community Engagement Committee, and approved by St. David’s Vestry in Spring 2026.
The statement reads as follows:
St. David’s Episcopal Church: A Statement of Moral Urgency on Immigration Enforcement Reform
The members of St. David’s Episcopal Church stand together at a moment of deep moral urgency to call for the reform of our nation's immigration enforcement policies. As Episcopalians and followers of Jesus Christ, we are bound by our Baptismal Covenant to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being. At this pivotal moment, we find this sacred promise under threat as aggressive and reckless immigration enforcement operations are fostering a culture of fear, dehumanization, and community disruption.
With a historic number of more than 20 fatalities occurring within the enforcement and detention system between October 2025 and March 2026, we join the chorus of faith communities demanding justice, accountability, and rigorous oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
We call for reform out of a profound concern for federal operations targeting our vulnerable community members and migrant neighbors. We firmly oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of individuals who are vital, law-abiding contributors to our congregations and society.
Furthermore, we reaffirm that all houses of worship must remain protected "sensitive locations" where all may seek God’s grace without fear of arrest or surveillance. We grieve for the parents and children being forcibly separated—an action that shatters families and directly contradicts the biblical mandate to care for the stranger in our midst.
In response to this crisis and emboldened by Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe’s declaration that “death and despair do not have the last word,” St. David’s commits to meaningful action.
We pledge to:
- Provide continued humanitarian support and pastoral care to our migrant neighbors and communities impacted by reckless immigration enforcement.
- Advocate by urging elected officials to reject unchecked immigration enforcement funding in favor of humane legislative reform to address immigration and immigration enforcement.
- Offer our presence as a visible witness of love over fear for our migrant siblings and communities impacted by reckless immigration enforcement.
- Pray consistently for those living under the shadow of separation, for the safety of all law and immigration enforcement officers, and for our national leaders to be guided by mercy rather than rhetoric.
We are St. David’s Episcopal Church Austin, and we will not remain silent as violence escalates and while any in our community are forced to live in fear.
To get involved with St. David’s continued ministry and/or advocacy work on behalf of our migrant community members, contact:
Dianne Hardy-Garcia
Director of Community Engagement & Advocacy
