Notre Dame & Sanctuary
In the fall of 2017 I was in Paris with Christophe Mortier, Melissa Dalton-Bradford, Sarah Wood, and my brother Nathanael in order to interview refugees and some of the people doing their best to help them. I remember there was a beautiful morning when I got up early before the rest to get a video or two of Notre Dame before the crowds came out. I was there early enough that the soldiers guarding the cathedral didn’t arrive until after I did. There was almost nobody there. It was peaceful and rewarding. I’m glad I was able to see it when I did.
Notre Dame reminds me of the tradition of sanctuary, offering refuge and aid to those in need, especially strangers and foreigners. As heartbreaking as it is to see the destruction of Notre Dame, it has been heartening for me to witness from afar the entire city of Paris gathering in solidarity and pledging to rebuild. I hope for a similar commitment within all of us to offer sanctuary to the millions of our refugee brothers and sisters in need of welcome around the world.
Notre Dame in October, 2017
Written by Noah Read
Official Statement on the Detention of Refugees and Ongoing Community Violence
With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.
On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.
Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.
We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.