The city of Simi Valley, Calif., apparently has put on hold its controversial invoice of $40,000 for police services sent to Simi Valley UCC after widespread anti-immigration protests took place outside the church on Sept. 16.

"The city will continue to pursue resolution of this issue and the Mayor will recommend to the City Council that further action against UCC to enforce the letter sent to UCC asking for reimbursement of costs be placed on hold pending further discussion," read a signed Sept. 24 agreement between Simi Valley Mayor Paul Miller and the Rev. June C. Goudey, the church's pastor.

On Sept. 19, Miller said the church should be held responsible for paying for police services because it is providing sanctuary in its church parsonage to a young mother, who faces deportation from the United States, and her infant child.

The church's decision to provide hospitality to Liliana [last name withheld] and her five-month-old son Pablito was met with protests on Sept. 16 from anti-immigration protestors, along with counter protests in support of the church.

The mother and son arrived at Simi Valley UCC on August 28, after previously finding refuge at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Sierra Madre, Calif., and from St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Long Beach.

"Today the city and UCC representatives met to discuss the issue and find common ground in an attempt to satisfy the concerns of both sides," the agreement read. "It was agreed that the most effective immediate action which can be undertaken is to maintain an open dialogue between the church and the city. Both sides are also in agreement that the current situation results from the lack of a firm, consistent federal policy on immigration, and the need for immigration reform at a national level."

The mayor and pastor also agreed that "one resolution to the issue is for the Department of Homeland Security to expedite Lilliana's due process and make a prompt determination on her immigration status."

Liliana's family immigrated legally to the United States in 1998. However, Liliana stayed in Mexico to finish high school and then applied for the same visa her family had received and was told it would take several years for approval. Rather than endure prolonged separation from her family, Liliana obtained a false birth certificate and entered the U.S. illegally.

Since that time, Liliana married a U.S. citizen. They now have three children, own their home, work and pay taxes. Yet, fearing deportation, Liliana never applied for residence status. Earlier this spring, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials located Liliana and ordered her to report to a deportation center within three days.

Liliana sought help from the Los Angeles chapter of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE-LA), which is participating in the New Sanctuary Movement.

Goudey, a board member of Ventura County CLUE, became aware of Liliana's predicament in June. She and two members of Simi Valley UCC had attended a New Sanctuary Movement orientation in May, an experience that jumpstarted the church's discernment process.

"The congregation shared their stories - almost all Americans have immigrant roots," Goudy told United Church News. "We came to understand, 'I am the other. I am the person you are talking about.'"

On July 8, the congregation overwhelmingly approved a CLUE proposal to offer hospitality for Liliana in their on-site parsonage.

New Sanctuary Movement organizations have no legal right to prohibit ICE agents from entering their grounds to search or remove someone receiving sanctuary. However, it seems unlikely that seizure will occur given public perception of federal agents storming church grounds.

"[Offering sanctuary] is not without risk."  Goudy said in August. "As far as we can discern ICE is honoring sanctuary."

The Rev. Jane Heckles, the UCC's Southern California – Nevada Conference Minister, accompanied Goudey during her meeting with the mayor.

"The Simi Valley UCC is a hearty band of 80 members who are ministering according to their congregation's common calling and vision," Heckles said afterward. "They conduct worship on Sunday mornings to the tune of siren-equiped bullhorns out on the sidewalk, a bit unnerving."

Letters of encouragement for Simi Valley UCC can be e-mailed to pastor@uccsimi.org.