The Peace and Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock (UUCW) is getting behind the Pilgrimage of Hope walk from Chicago to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Center at McHenry County Jail. The three day pilgrimage from Friday May 21 to Sunday May 23 will call for an end to deportations of law-abiding immigrants and the inhumane separation of families.
The Rev. Dan Larsen, Community Minister at the Woodstock church, noted the congregation’s long time commitment to the local Hispanic community, including people of all immigrations status. Members have also been visiting detainees at the detention center. “We want to pledge our solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are awaiting the separation from their families.”
Larsen also noted that support of the Pilgrimage is in keeping with the Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) Standing on the Side of Love campaign which includes support for just and humane immigration policies.
The Peace and Justice Committee will provide assistance and logistical support to the Pilgrimage and some members will join the walk while others will participate in the gathering at the Jail.
The Pilgrimage will originate at Saint Bartholomew Church, 4941 W. Paterson in Chicago at 10 AM Friday May 21 and will follow Route 14 to Woodstock with stops for food and rest at churches along the way. In McHenry County there will be stops in Cary and Crystal Lake before a final rest at St. Mary’s Church, 312 Lincoln Avenue in Woodstock before pushing on to the ICE Detention center for a vigil at 6 P.M. Sunday, May 23.
Supporters are welcome to join the Pilgrimage in Chicago or any where along the route. To sign up, or to learn where to join the Pilgrimage along the way contact Rachel at jrheuman@aol.com, or Ere at (815) 715-1577. To lend a hand in Woodstock, including donating food beverages for the Pilgrims, contact Rev. Larsen at the Church at (815) 338-0731 or e-mail office@uucofwoodstock.org .
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