April 30, 2020

The shelter-in-place realities of the past two months have provided unique opportunities to engage in acts of Public Witness. I have been able to deliver food from the Hunger Task Force pantry to partners providing food in East Oakland and share masks made by LABC members with a col-league who distributed them in the Tenderloin. The Sanctuary Working Group (SWG) helped prevent a trans migrant from becoming unhoused while she awaits refugee assistance. Lakeshore has written letters on behalf of community members living in detention or fear of deportation and the SWG is discuss-ing how we can provide assistance to those who may be released from ICE’s clutches. Finally, I helped lead a Flash Solidarity Prayer action with 30 faith leaders (practicing social distancing) to send a loud and clear message to Governor Newsom to ensure the safety of all California residents, especially those imprisoned for whom social distancing is impossible. I encourage you to amplify this message by checking out: bit.ly/HaveAHeart-Toolkit. Together we are showing our community what it means to welcome strangers, love neighbors, seek the welfare of our community and be the church!