The Isaiah National Solidarity Vigil and Fast for Arizona began on June 6 and continues with constant prayer and public witness through July 28. That’s the date when implementation of AZ SB 1070 will begin. During these eight weeks, vigil participation has been rolling from one region to another, with many faith communities in groups of states leading activities for one week at a time. OHIO’S WEEK IS JULY 18-24. These vigils will be followed by a three-day fast July 30-Aug. 1, which is coordinated with a major rally and interfaith public action even in Arizona. A large number of Unitarian Universalists and Standing On the Side of Love will be there.
During Ohio’s week in July, there is a constant prayer/meditation vigil via a web sign up at www.changetakesfaith.org. This website also includes signing a petition to Gov. Strickland calling for the Governor to oppose any legislation resembling Arizona’s SB 1070 in Ohio. In addition to this private, individual constant prayer/meditation vigil, faith communities around the state are taking the lead in coordinating prayer vigils and other public events.
In Columbus, we are planning an all-Ohio interfaith worship service and rally for WEDNESDAY, JULY 21 AT 6:30PM AT THE STATEHOUSE. Members from Ohio-Meadville congregations will be there with the large Standing on the Side of Love banner and other materials.
For more information about this event please visit http://interfaithimmigrationcal.org/index.php?state=OH
Faith leaders in Arizona are reporting that worship attendance is now down 30% since SB 1070 was signed, because immigrants are afraid to come to church because they don’t have “papers.” We were told of schools where administrators were desperately trying to figure out how to get kids back into class when frightened immigrant parents are keeping them home. Mention was also made of the second grader in Maryland who recently said to First Lady Michelle Obama, “but Mrs. Obama, my mom doesn’t have ‘papers.’”
An Arizona UCC pastor recently called the Arizona law “nothing less than a modern day Jim Crow law.” The president of the NAACP has said that the call for immigration reform is “the contemporary civil rights movement of our generation.”
Ohio is often called the “bellwether” state for our stance on issues of national importance. On July 21st we have the chance to shine a light to the nation as we Stand on the Side of Love in solidarity with the refugees and immigrants in our midst.
Each faith group has been challenged to bring at least 100 people to the event.
Bring your Unitarian Universalist Congregational Banners! Clergy, wear your stoles!
(but no signs on sticks or PVC pipe. Bring your banners on rope or cardboard tubing, please.)
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of history!