Evanston Sanctuary Community Resolution Passes

Submitted by: Rev. Eileen Wiviott

Rev. Bret and I are pleased to announce that we passed the Evanston Sanctuary Resolution with 93% present voting yes to being in solidarity with the City of Evanston and other faith communities and to protect those who are marginalized and targeted, without due process, for deportation. There was relatively little discussion about the resolution itself, and more concern expressed about the way the vote was taken. We decided to have a secret ballot rather than a show of voting cards because, following our vote to put up the Black Lives Matter sign in 2015, some expressed that they didn’t feel comfortable voting publicly against it. They feared the social pressure or stigma that might result. There can be no doubt that most of those who attend our church identify as liberal – both religiously and politically. We do strive to be open-minded and tolerant of a spectrum of views but there are those (and I am refraining from quantifying this) who feel we fall short in this regard. We live in highly polarized times. Speaking for myself, as extreme views on the political right are given legitimacy and greater power – views that feel threatening to everything I believe (and often are threatening to actual people), I know I am pulled further to the left. We each must struggle to keep our hearts and minds open to one another so that we do not lump every view that contradicts our own into a category such as “wrong” or “racist.”

As one member pointed out, we have for many years voted on statements of conscience using open ballots, and relied on secret votes very rarely and only for sensitive issues. We could argue that this was a sensitive issue, but whether we have a secret or open vote, several questions remain: are we living our covenant of engagement in a way that allows us to voice differing opinions and to discuss them productively? Does having a secret ballot on a statement of conscience allow everyone to remain comfortable, quietly disagreeing, but unable to discuss difficult and important issues? Is there value in disagreeing and being able to express that in our beloved community? Are we able to love, or at least respect, one another even if we vote against the majority? These are questions we will, I have no doubt, continue to wrestle with.

Another concern expressed was that we don’t have the time or energy to devote to the issue of immigration, which signing the statement demands of us. I agree we must put the words we affirmed into action. I also agree that we are spread thin and we lose some efficacy when we take on too much. However, this is what we have been called to respond to and this resolution is part of work already underway and doesn’t commit us to “new” work. We will not be able to do everything that must be done to address the complex issue of immigration and protect those who are marginalized. The good news is that signing onto this statement does strengthen our relationship with the congregations and organizations that are already deeply engaged in this work. It lets them know we are committed to join them as best we are able. There are actions already underway and a team that is forming. Look to your newsletter for upcoming events and ways you can participate. If you’d like to join us, please let me know.

Here is a link to the updated resolution.