On January 18, a dramatic scene unfolded at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Protesters filled the sanctuary, chanting slogans like “ICE out!” and “Justice for Renee Good!” Their target? Pastor David Easterwood, who also serves as the acting director of the St. Paul ICE field office.
Easterwood had defended his role with ICE in public appearances, stating he was “proud” to lead his team. Recently, he faced backlash after defending ICE actions during a free speech lawsuit involving Minnesota residents arrested at protests. Amidst rising tensions, a federal judge ruled that ICE could not detain individuals observing peaceful protests, a pivotal moment in ongoing legal battles concerning civil rights.
The protest was organized by the Racial Justice Network and local chapters of Black Lives Matter once it was revealed that Easterwood held dual roles. Inside the church, as lead pastor Jonathan Parnell stood at the pulpit, some congregants silently walked out, while others engaged with the protesters. Parnell loudly declared, “This is a house of God!” amid the chants. He later conveyed to journalist Don Lemon that his focus was on worship and spreading love.
Meanwhile, Parnell’s affiliations raised eyebrows. He serves on the board of Bethlehem College and Seminary, an institution founded by John Piper, a notable figure in the Baptist community. Last week, a professor at the seminary controversially prayed for blessings on ICE. This connection to ICE further ignited tensions during the protest.
The protest lasted around 23 minutes, with the crowd continuing outside, voicing their demands, including justice for immigrants. One organizer, Nekima Levy Armstrong, passionately called for accountability, stating, “How dare somebody claim to be a pastor while overseeing evil.” She likened their actions to Jesus flipping tables in temples, asserting a need for righteousness.
The protest drew significant attention online. Angela Denker, a Lutheran minister and author, praised the activists for their commitment to accountability, stating, “You cannot worship a Savior on Sunday while acting as a violent agent of an unjust state.”
The Department of Justice has taken notice. They are now investigating potential violations of federal laws concerning disruptions to worship services. The Southern Baptist Convention has also responded, with leaders condemning the protest and pledging support for the church against perceived lawlessness.
In recent discussions around faith and activism, similar protests have emerged across the U.S., drawing attention to the roles of religious leaders in public policy debates. While these events can create rifts within communities, they also serve as a powerful reminder of how intertwined faith, justice, and activism can be.
For further insights on the impact of protests on faith communities and civil rights, visit sources like ACLU or Southern Poverty Law Center.
