Rev. Marilyn Pagán-Banks 

National President, Council of Hispanic Ministries UCC

mujerdedios@netscape.net

773-575-9050

7647 North Bosworth Avenue #2N

Chicago, IL 60626

“Esfuérzate, y mostrémonos valientes por amor a nuestro pueblo y por amor a las ciudades de nuestro Dios.”
(1 Crónica 19:13, La Biblia de las Américas)

May 3rd, 2010

Querida Familia UCC,

By now we have all heard about the atrocious and racist anti-immigration bill (SB1070) signed into law by the Governor of Arizona.  My first reaction was—aw, hell naw!  This is unreal!  Can this really be happening in 2010?  In the “land of the free?”

Then I pictured my dad’s brown face and could hear his still thick accent and I thank God he lives in Ohio.  I watched as my Belizean in-laws played with my grandson and I thank God they live in Illinois.

Yet even as I offer gratitude for the “safety” of my loved ones, I know in my heart that as a Latina—todos los Latinos y todas las Hispanas son mi gente—my people!  I know in my gut that once given enough power, evil spreads and it grows— there is no city far enough away and no one is safe, no one is unaffected, no one goes untouched.  I know in my spirit that we are called to “be courageous! [and] fight bravely to save our people and the cities of our God” (1 Chronicles 19:13, New Living Translation).

No matter where we were born.  No matter where we live.  No matter our immigration status. No matter our accent, the color of our skin, the slant of our eyes, the texture of our hair—we are all God’s people, created in God’s image, and beloved by God.  We belong to God.

My response is still “Aw, hell naw! as I add my voice to the cries of opposition and work with others in taking bold steps to dismantle this unjust, oppressive, irresponsible and unreasonable act of fear and prejudice.

Te invito que me acompañes.

If you haven’t yet signed the pledge of non-compliance with SB1070 do so right now!  If Arizona elected leaders have not heard from you yet the time is now!  If your Conference, Association or Local Church has not put forth a resolution in support of the Southwest Conference it is not too late!  Tell President Obama that the time for just, comprehensive immigration reform is now.

This fight is OUR fight!  God’s love, justice and grace will prevail!

Tú hermana en Cristo y en la lucha,

Marilyn