news article
United Methodists join suit against Trump policy
February 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists have joined over two dozen Christian and Jewish organizations in a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The suit challenges a Trump administration policy permitting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to conduct raids in "sensitive locations," including houses of worship. The plaintiffs argue that this policy infringes upon their religious freedom and hinders their mission to care for migrants.
United Methodists of Upper New York are represented in the lawsuit as members of the New York State Council of Churches (NYSCOC), a named plaintiff in the lawsuit. "Bishop Héctor directed me to work closely with the NYSCOC to offer our full support to this effort," said the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop. Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding serves as the bishop's representative to NYSCOC and is a member of the NYSCOC's lead team. Though the Upper New York Conference could not join as a named plaintiff in the lawsuit, several of the conference's congregations provided anonymous affidavits substantiating the harm caused by the executive order allowing ICE agents to enter church properties. "I'm grateful to these congregations and deeply thankful for the way Peter Cook and the New York State Council of Churches have helped us take a stand for justice," said Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding.