The Central California Conference (CCC) held an online forum via Zoom on Feb. 12, bringing together pastors, educators, and legal experts. They discussed a compassionate and legally sound approach to immigration concerns.
Led by CCC president Ricardo J. Viloria, the forum featured presentations from attorneys specializing in church-state issues, immigration law experts, and community organizers with experience assisting immigrant communities. Attendees included members of the CCC administrative team, pastors from across the region, and school leaders committed to guiding congregations, schools, and community members facing immigration-related challenges.
“Our role as a church is to show compassion to all who come to us while understanding our legal rights and responsibilities,” Viloria said. “We believe in being a haven for those seeking support, and we want to ensure our response aligns with both our Christian mission and the U.S. law.”
The forum included legal guidelines, practical preparedness, and spiritual and community support. Attorneys emphasized the importance of asserting the church’s rights by politely stating “We do not consent” if law enforcement arrives without a valid warrant. If a judge-signed warrant is presented, churches and schools should comply without interference while documenting the encounter thoroughly. School administrators were advised to ensure parents or guardians have updated emergency contacts and that any immigration-related interactions respect minors’ rights.
Local church leaders were encouraged to develop “family preparedness plans” for at-risk members, including designating a power of attorney or trusted guardian. Pastors must establish relationships with law enforcement and legal professionals to ensure clear communication in potential emergencies.
William Davis, associate director of the Church State Council, highlighted the biblical call to show kindness to strangers and uphold human dignity. Pastor Arnold Trujillo shared a testimony of how visitation and advocacy made a life-changing difference for an asylum-seeker, underscoring the church’s role in providing tangible support.
The CCC will continue distributing the North American Division’s official immigration response guidelines to churches and affiliated schools. Additional meetings, including sessions in Spanish, are planned to ensure resources are accessible to all members and communities.
For more information or to download the immigration response guidelines, click here. Legal inquiries may be directed to the Church State Council (churchstate.org) or an accredited immigration attorney.
“This is not about politics,” Viloria reiterated. “It’s about compassion, preparedness, and reflecting Christ’s love in a practical, tangible way. Our churches and schools can—and should—be sanctuaries of hope and safety for everyone who walks through our doors.”Written by Justin Kim
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