In Birmingham, Alabama today, the state goes to court to defend its new immigration law, which is set to go into effect Sept. 1. The United States has sued to block the law from being implemented, saying essentially that immigration is a federal issue.
“„At First United Methodist Church in downtown Birmingham, clergy from around the city take turns leading a prayer service called in response to the new immigration law.
“„Episcopal priest Herman Afanador, Baptist pastor Amanda Duckworth, and Methodist minister Melissa Self Patrick are part of a growing chorus of critics who say the Alabama law goes too far, criminalizing all kinds of contact with undocumented residents. It’s illegal, for example, to knowingly enter into a contract with, to rent to, to harbor or to transport illegal immigrants.
“„The state’s United Methodist, Episcopal and Roman Catholic churches have sued, arguing it violates their religious freedom.
“„Patrick, who runs the inner-city ministry of the United Methodist church in Birmingham, says being a good Samaritan could now be illegal.
“„“This new legislation goes against the tenets of our Christian faith — to welcome the stranger, to offer hospitality to anyone,” she says.
“„Some here see the issue through the lens of Alabama’s history, including Lawton Higgs, 71, a retired Methodist minister.
“„“And I’m a recovering racist, transformed by the great fruits of the civil rights movement in this city,” he says.
“„Higgs says he and his church were on the wrong side of that moral battle in the ’60s, so he is pleased to see the churches entering the fray now. He likens Alabama’s immigration law to Jim Crow — legislating second-class status for illegal immigrants.
“„Hernan Afandador-Kafuri, priest of LaGracia Episcopal Church of Birmingham said in an affidavit that about 95 percent of the people served by his church’s social services to Hispanics “lack immigration status.” He said his church provides transportation for doctor’s visits, English lessons and other services to Hispanic members.
“„“We do not check any documents or identification and do not plan to. We would never deny anyone services based on their lack of immigration status and do not plan to do so. We are Christians and we serve everyone,” Afandador-Kafuri said.