To Federal, State, and Local Officials, and to the Communities We Serve:

We are faith leaders representing many religious traditions across Louisiana.  We join our voices together out of a shared moral commitment and concern for the honor, dignity, safety, and well-being of every person in our neighborhoods, congregations, communities, and state. 

Across our many traditions, we affirm that every human being possesses inherent worth and dignity. In addition, we have a responsibility to speak up when the dignity and worth of our neighbors is threatened.

In the midst of recent immigration enforcement actions, our communities are experiencing a climate of fear. We cannot remain silent and look away when families, congregations, and neighborhoods are unsettled and impacted by these actions.

We affirm that our local, state, and national government officials play a legitimate and important role in upholding lawful systems and ensuring public safety. We also affirm that the exercise of governmental authority must always be guided by human compassion and respect for due process.  Our concern is not with the existence of immigration enforcement, but urge its implementation be humane, proportionate, and consistent with the rights and dignity of all people. Immigration enforcement that is carried out without transparency or regard for human impact, erodes the trust that holds communities together.

Across our state, we hear the anguish of parents afraid to bring their children to school, workers fearful of moving through daily life, and families bracing for the possibility of separation. We are troubled when houses of worship, schools, hospitals, shelters, and other spaces that serve as anchors of community life are perceived as unsafe. We are concerned when individuals are detained without clear information or access to support. We lament rhetoric that reduces human beings to categories rather than honoring their inherent worth.

Our sacred traditions call us to care for those who are vulnerable, to safeguard the stranger, to uphold justice with mercy, and to stand with those who suffer. Immigrants in Louisiana contribute to the cultural, economic, and spiritual life of our communities and have long been essential to rebuilding and sustaining our state. Their well-being matters to all of us.

Therefore, we respectfully urge:

1. Immigration enforcement personnel and public officials to conduct all actions with restraint, transparency, and attention to human impact. 

2. Respect for houses of worship, schools, hospitals, shelters, and places of humanitarian service as areas of safety and support. 

3. Public officials to reject violent or dehumanizing rhetoric, oppose intimidation toward immigrants or law enforcement personnel, and provide timely and transparent communication that safeguards constitutional protections and ensures fair process for all residents. 

4. People of faith and goodwill to commit themselves to acts of compassion, hospitality, and humanitarian support for those who feel afraid or alone. 

To our immigrant neighbors: You are not alone. Immigrants have rebuilt our communities after storms and continue to enrich Louisiana in countless ways. You serve in essential industries, worship in our congregations, and strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods. Your presence matters, your families matter, and your fears are seen. 

We close with a shared hope drawn from our many faiths:
that love and courage may prevail over fear;
that justice may be guided by mercy;
that dignity may be honored in every person;
and that our civic life in Louisiana be reflective of the deepest values we hold.

In unity and hope,
Faith Leaders of Louisiana:

Professor Syed Adeel Ahmed (Professor, Jefferson Muslim Association and Isgno.org, Metairie, LA)

Pastor Michelle Aguirre (Senior Pastor of Iglesia Monte de Sion, St. Rose LA)

Dr. Iqbal Akhtar (Muslim of Masjid al Islam, Slidell, LA)

Rev. Alexis Anderson (Executive Director of PREACH, Baton Rouge, LA)

Shawn Moses Anglim (Pastor of First Grace United Methodist Church, New Orleans, LA)

Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond (Archbishop of New Orleans)

Rev. Michael Ball (Pastor of Parkway Presbyterian Church, Metairie, LA)

Rev. Sandra Barnes (Pastor of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, ELCA, Chalmette, LA)

Rev. Eugene M. Boger (Lead Pastor of Bethany United Methodist Church, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Colleen Bookter (Pastor of United Methodist Church, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Dr. Marc J. Boswell (Pastor of St. Charles Ave. Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Laura Brewster (Pastor of Jefferson United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, LA) 

Rev. Mamie Broadhurst (Pastor, Head of Staff of University Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. Ashley Brown (St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Dr. Mary Brown (Executive Director of Silence Broken, Inc., New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Holly Burris (Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, Thibodaux, LA)

Rev. Patrice Butler (Commissioned Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Scotlandville, Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. John A. Cannon (Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church, Lafayette, LA)

Rev. Wayne Carter (Priest in Residence of St. John Episcopal Church, Minden, LA)

Rev. Sarah Chancellor-Watson (Associate Pastor of St. Charles Ave Presbyterian Church, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Jan Condren (Retired, Presbyterian Church (USA))

Rev. Jeff Conner (Retired Louisiana Conference United Methodist Clergy, St. Marks United Methodist Church, volunteer, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Kathleen Crighton (Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, New Orleans, LA)

Loretta Credo (Elder of Jefferson Presbyterian Church, Jefferson, LA)

Rev. Dr. Chris Currie (Senior Pastor of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, New Orleans, LA)

Paige Davis (Executive Director of The St. Charles Center for Faith + Action, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Charles deGravelles (Deacon of The Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, LA)

Kyle Deroche (Director of Youth Ministries of Asbury United Methodist Church, Lafayette, LA)

Rev. Dr. Fred Devall (Priest of The Episcopal Church, Greater New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Tommy Dillon II (Rector/Priest of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. S. C. Dixon (Pastor of Greater Mt. Olive MBC, Baton Rouge, LA)

Very Rev. D. Seth Donald (Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Covington, LA)

Rev. Dr. Seamus P. Doyle (Priest in Charge of St John's Episcopal Church, Kenner, La)

Rt. Rev. Joe M. Doss (Retired Bishop of The Episcopal Church)

Most Rev. Michael G. Duca (Bishop of Baton Rouge)

Rt. Rev. Shannon Rogers Duckworth (Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana)

Very Rev. David Allard duPlantier (Dean and Rector of Christ Church Cathedral, New Orleans, LA)

Most Rev. Simon Peter Engurait (Bishop of Houma - Thibodaux)

Rev. Ann B. Etheredge (Rector of The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, New Iberia, LA)

Rev. Dr. Josh Fitzpatrick (Pastor of Northwood United Methodist Church, Lafayette, LA)

RE Sharon Fortin (Stated Clerk of Presbytery of South Louisiana)

Laura Freeze (Seminarian, Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, Hammond, LA)

Rev. Eric Fulcher (Associate Pastor of University Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. Dr. JoAnn M Garma (Retired Deacon and ACPE Educator of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana)

Tamika Gerhardt (The Frances Joseph Gaudet Missioner for Congregational Vitality & Beloved Community of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana)

Rev. Sara Green (Community Minister of Unitarian Universalist, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. R Rex Hays, C.M. (Priest of Congregation of the Mission, New Orleans, LA)

Rev Jay C Hogewood, PhD (Pastor of Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Samuel J. Hubbard II (Community Pastor / Chaplain of Just Love - Greater New Orleans: Christian Church / Disciples of Christ - Great River Region, Greater New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Elizabeth Irvine (Highland Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), Baton Rouge, LA)

Elizabeth Janes (Director of the PC(USA) Synod of the Sun Partnership for Disaster Recovery, Synod of the Sun, Presbyterian Church (USA))

Philip Jeansonne (Pastor Emeritus of Vineyard Church of New Orleans, LA)

Fr. Dan Krutz (Retired Priest, the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana and Former Director of the Louisiana Interchurch Conference, Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. Susan Lassalle (Pastor of Little Farms United Church of Christ, Metairie, LA)

Rev. Alex Lee-Cornell (Pastor of Lakeview Presbyterian Church, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Kathy Lee-Cornell (Associate for National Disaster Response, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Church (USA))

Rev. Canon Morgan M. MacIntire (Canon to the Ordinary of The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana)

Rev. John D. McClelland (Honorably retired member of Presbytery of the Pines, PC(USA))

Alison McCrary (Executive Director of School for Contemplative Living, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Robin McCullough-Bade (Pastor, Evangelical Church in America, Baton Rouge, LA)

Sarah McCurley (Director of Youth Ministries of First United Methodist Church of Bossier City, LA)

Rev. Constance McIntosh (St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Lake Charles, LA)

Rev. Madge McLain (Priest of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Abbeville, LA)

Rev. R. Shane McNary (CBF - Great Rivers Fellowship)

Rachel Strong Mann (Minister of Worship, Youth and Children of University Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA)

Gregory Manning (Pastor of Broadmoor Community Church, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Mitchell Miller (Synod Leader and Stated Clerk of Synod of the Sun, PCUSA)

Parviz Mojgani (Secretary of Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Mary Rachel Moore (Director of Wesley Foundation at LSU(UMC), Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. James R. Morrison (Rector of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Houma, La.)

Rev. Emile Noel (Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Westwego, LA)

Rev. Larry D Norman (Retired Pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, LA)

Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby, PhD, DD (Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana, Alexandria, LA)

Rev. Jon Parks (Pastor of University Baptist Church (Cooperative Baptist Fellowship), Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. Tanya Parks (Pastor of University Baptist Church (Cooperative Baptist Fellowship), Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. Jeffery Pate (Hospice Chaplain, Evangelical Covenant Church, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Jean Marie Peacock (Pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church, Harvey, LA)

Rev Aquilino Perez (Pastor of St Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church- Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. Dr. Kristina Peterson (Retired, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.))

Annie Phoenix, PhD (Executive Director, Jesuit Social Research Institute, Loyola University New Orleans, LA)

Pastor Leigh Rachal (Executive Director of Louisiana Interchurch Conference)

Owen Rachal (Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Lafayette, LA)

Emily Rhodes (Director of Programs & Community Engagement of St. Charles Center for Faith + Action, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Winston Rice (Adjunct Priest of Christ Episcopal Church, Covington, Louisiana)

Rev. Zachary D. Ritchie (Pastor of Just Love Northshore (Disciples of Christ), Northshore, LA)

Rev. Dr. Martha Robson (Honorably Retired, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), New Orleans, LA)

Christie Ruppel (Elder of First Presbyterian, New Orleans, LA)

Rabbi Daniel Sherman (Rabbi, Temple Sinai of New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Allison Sauls Sikes (Pastor of St. Francisville United Methodist Church, St. Francisville, LA)

Rev. DC Sills (The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Central Louisiana)

Rev. Margaret E Simms (Pastor of Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church, Gonzales, LA)

Rev. Katie McKay Simpson (Senior Minister, University United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey L. Sims (Pastor/Head of Staff of Covington Presbyterian Church, Covington, LA)

Rev. Patti Snyder (Retired, former Pastor of University Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge, LA)

Fr. Tom Stehlik, CM (Priest of Congregation of the Mission, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Margaret L. Sullivan (Rector of St. Francis Episcopal Church, Denham Springs, LA)

Rev. Laura Stephenson (Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Kenner, Louisiana)

Rev. Erin Tolar (Associate Pastor of University Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge, LA)

Jessica L Trahan (Director of Campus Ministry for Wesley United Campus Ministry, Lafayette, LA)

Elder Linda P. Trueblood (Elder/Moderator of the Presbytery of South Louisiana)

Rev. Ronald B. Unger (Retired pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)

Randall Waguespack (Deacon of St. Margaret Queen of Scotland and Director Office of Life, Peace & Justice, Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge) 

Rev. Kenneth P. White-Spunner, III (Priest-in-Charge of Christ Episcopal Church, Slidell, LA)

Rev. Brady S. Whitton (Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. Dr. Marie P. Williams (Retired Elder, Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, St. John’s UMC, Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. Richard Williams (General Presbyter of the Presbytery of South Louisiana)

Rev. Lisa Y. Edwards Williamson (Pastor, Chaplain, Clinician, CMSW, KAZI-NIA Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA)

Rev. Lane Cotton Winn (Lead Pastor of St. John's United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, LA)

Rev. Nancy Wofford (Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church, Lafayette, LA)

(Names are still being added and this will be updated periodically.)