A message from Sr. Minister Nancy Taylor on 'Sanctuary'

Dear Old South Church in Boston,

Your Christian Service and Outreach Committee and your Church Council are asking the members of Old South Church to consider the question: "Is Old South Church called by God to provide sanctuary to an individual or family threatened with deportation? Are we prepared to act in violation of Federal Immigration Law?"

There are weighty matters to consider as we enter into a season of discernment. Thus far the members of the Outreach Committee, Church Council, and your ministers have attended many meetings, as well as information and training sessions, both at Old South Church and in the community. We have offered several educational seminars onsite.

On Sunday, August 13, we will have two additional opportunities to hear presentations, ask questions, and continue our discernment: Sanctuary in the City: Living It Out Loud. Join us at either 10:00 am or at 12:30 pm on the second floor.

Also, this Thursday and Sunday I will preach on these questions, attempting to provide theological and biblical framework for our thinking, talking, praying, and voting.

Finally, we expect to bring the matter to a vote at a Special Meeting of the Members in the fall. The date is yet to be determined.

Many of you are dispersed in the summer: enjoying beaches and ocean, lakeside and woods, traveling, hiking, camping, resting, reading, refreshing yourselves. These are good and blessed activities. However, if you are able, I invite you to come in from the summer to worship with us this week: Thursday at 6 pm Jazz Worship, or Sunday at 9 am First Worship, or 11 am Festival Worship that we may begin in earnest our discernment about the possibility of undertaking the work of providing sanctuary.

I am reminded of the Latin motto featured on the grand plaque dominating our Portico: Qui transtulit sustinet. The Latin can be translated to mean: The God who transplanted us, continues to sustain us. Indeed. Indeed.

Gratefully,
Rev. Nancy Taylor