In Mike Pence’s home state, an Indianapolis church is holding the Holy Family “in detention” in protest of the Trump administration’s barbaric “zero tolerance” policy that has torn over 2,300 migrant kids from the arms of parents at the border in recent weeks. The display, on the front lawn of Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis, features Jesus, Mary, and Joseph inside of a cage, similar to conditions described by the few members of Congress who have actually been allowed to visit facilities detaining migrant kids and parents.
“Holy scripture is clear about how we are to treat people trying to find safety for their families,” Dean and Rector Steve Carlson said in a statement. “We are to show mercy and welcome them. Jesus, Mary and Joseph were homeless and fled danger to seek asylum.”
The Episcopalian church has been vocal in supporting the rights of migrants and their families, participating in the massive “Families Belong Together” rallies over the past weekend, as well as supporting protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. But with administration officials, like Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III, attempting to use the Bible to justify this barbaric policy, the church wanted to make an even bolder statement. “The Holy Family today calls us to stand with all families seeking safety and a future for their children,” Carlson continued in his statement. “People of good will and faith must not allow this to continue.”
Carlson and his congregation haven’t been alone in their outspoken support of separated families. Just days ago, numerous faith leaders in L.A. and Washington, D.C. were arrested in acts of civil disobedience.
“We are building a just and sacred society,” Rabbi Jonathan Klein, one demonstrator from L.A., said. “My faith says I have no choice but to be here.”