News Summary
Texas Baptist churches are uniting to oppose U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies that instill fear in immigrant communities. Led by leaders like Pastor Cliff Hite and Jesse Rincones, the churches advocate for the rights of their congregants, signaling a shift from non-litigation to active resistance against immigration enforcement. This movement aims to create safe worship environments for all, despite ongoing challenges within diverse congregations. Church leaders emphasize their commitment to inclusion and safety in the face of legal and social uncertainties.
Houston, Texas – Texas Baptist churches are coming together to oppose U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies that have heightened concerns for immigrant communities.
Growing Unity Among Texas Baptists
On August 3, 2025, Pastor Cliff Hite led a bilingual service at the Church at Northwest Crossing, where church members actively participated in a mass conducted in both English and Spanish. This event reflects a broader movement within the Texas Baptist community, catalyzed by leadership changes in the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas. Under the guidance of Jesse Rincones, the Convention is shifting its stance from a history of non-litigation to actively challenging ICE policies that allow immigration enforcement in places of worship. This marks a significant change in strategy as the Convention now represents over 1,000 churches advocating for the rights of their congregants.
Rincones emphasizes the importance of providing support for immigrant families affected by enforcement tactics and policies from the Department of Homeland Security. The escalating fear in immigrant communities has raised concerns among church leaders, who aim to create safe, welcoming environments for all worshippers. This initiative aligns with the Texas Baptists’ focus on preserving the church’s freedom to practice religion while still upholding the rule of law.
Diverse Perspectives and Ongoing Challenges
The Texas Baptist community exhibits a wide array of viewpoints on immigration issues. For example, Westbury Baptist Church in Houston hosts services in seven different languages, catering to its diverse immigrant congregation. The church community recognizes the potential chilling effect of increased ICE presence on church attendance and overall community safety.
Legal challenges have risen in response to policies established during the Trump administration, leading some churches to report heightened anxiety among their members, causing a decline in attendance. Concerns about ICE’s operations within church settings have prompted robust legal actions, which temporarily halted enforcement at these locations. Despite this, fear remains pervasive, leading to an ongoing dialogue within the Southern Baptist Convention about the implications of immigration policy and how it affects congregations across the state.
Pastors and Community Leaders Unite
Church leaders such as Laura Mayo, senior minister of Covenant Church, emphasize the growing unity within their denominations to support immigrant communities. The Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas became independent in 2010, allowing for a more vocal stance on immigration issues, contrasting with its previous nonpartisan approach.
Efforts by Texas Baptists are not limited to internal community support; they reflect a broader coalition that includes various religious organizations, some with traditionally progressive viewpoints. As more churches unite against ICE policies, there is a shared objective of ensuring that all individuals feel safe and included within their places of worship.
Pastor Hite, at the Church at Northwest Crossing, has openly declared a commitment to foster an inclusive community where worshippers can gather without the fear of ICE raids during services. This ongoing effort showcases the resilience of faith-based communities in the face of significant legal and social challenges.
Conclusion
As the battle over ICE policies continues, Texas Baptist churches are increasingly vocal and united in their mission to support immigrants in their congregations. By advocating against deportation practices in places of worship, these communities aim to create environments of safety and faith without fear, standing up for their values and the rights of their members amid a climate of uncertainty regarding immigration enforcement.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: Texas Baptist churches oppose ICE policies
- Houston Chronicle: Medicaid issues in Houston suburbs
- San Antonio Express-News: Downtown Good Friday Passion Play
- Houston Chronicle: Bilingual dyslexia education cuts
- ABC13: Empowering Latinos in Houston
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- Google Search: Texas Baptist churches ICE policies
- Google Scholar: Texas Baptist church immigration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration and Nationality Act
- Google News: Texas Baptist churches immigration
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