Sanctuary Resolution

approved at a special congregational meeting held April 9, 2017

As an Act Conscience, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs takes the Following Actions in Support of the Sanctuary Movement:

1. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs NY will sign the following Sanctuary Pledge, with the proviso however that we lack the physical resources to shelter persons within our church building:

As a people of faith and conscience, we pledge to resist efforts to target and deport undocumented immigrants and discriminate against marginalized communities. Our Congregation will always be a sanctuary for persons targeted by hate and injustice and, to the extent our resources permit, we will work alongside our friends, families and neighbors to ensure the dignity and basic rights of all people.

2. We commit to a policy of legal non-violent resistance to efforts of governmental officials to deport immigrants from our City and will refrain from cooperating in any way with such efforts.

3. We will build partnerships with other Capitol District UU Congregations and their Social Justice Committees and cooperate with them to develop policies in aid and support of the status of Sanctuary Churches.

4. We will build partnerships with other organizations within our community who share our vision of a more just world by cooperating in developing policies that provide sanctuary to immigrant populations.

5. We will actively publicize our status as a Congregation that endorses the Sanctuary Movement, so that those threatened by deportation will become aware of our support. And we will enlighten and educate our fellow citizens about the clear and present danger in their midst.