Leaders of most of the major church groups in Alabama have united in opposition to the new Arizona inspired anti-immigration laws passed recently. While most of the denominational officials have issued statements, there’s word today that some, including the Episcopal diocese have decided to take their message to the streets this weekend.
“More than a dozen groups including the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, Greater Birmingham Ministries, the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice and the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama will sponsor a “candle march” at Birmingham’s Linn Park on Saturday evening.
Organizers said in a statement the march is designed to “change minds at the grass-roots level by making a beautiful, very public vision of many faiths in unison in opposition to Alabama’s unjust immigration legislation.”
[…]The law, signed by Gov. Robert Bentley earlier this month, makes it a crime to knowingly hire an illegal immigrant; rent them a place to live; or give them a ride in a vehicle. It requires schools to determine the immigration status of their students and report it to the state, although children in the country illegally would not be refused an education. It takes effect Sept.”
From here.
In Alabama and interested in participating? The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama has posted this information:
INTERFAITH CANDLE MARCH
STOP ALABAMA’S HB56 IMMIGRATION LAW
Saturday, June 25, 2011
6:30pm
Linn Park, Birmingham
What ? An interfaith prayer and candlelight march including many faith communities in opposition to Alabama’s HB56 Immigration Law. We will be gently and peacefully praying with our feet in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters. We will also be signing a petition for the law’s repeal.
Why? We find HB56 both morally and fiscally indefensible.
Where? Assemble at Linn Park, 710 20th St. N, Birmingham, AL 35203, by the fountain. We will open with prayer, walk approximately 5 blocks and will close with prayer back at Linn Park.
When? June 25th, Saturday, at 6:30 p.m. (Rain date – Tuesday 28 June at 7p.m.)
Instructions
Marchers (other than clergy) wear white shirts.
Bring a glass-encased candle (not a tea light, as it will get too hot).
Churches, Synagogues, Mosques please bring a banner with your name and/or a symbol of your faith/denomination. No other banners, signs or flags will be permitted.