Some of you have probably noticed that Peace House Community has not made an official statement about the immigration enforcement activities going on in the Twin Cities at the moment. We debated making a statement, in the end we didn’t for a few reasons. First, we did not want to draw attention to ourselves early on in the enforcement. Our community members already face enough daily challenges without having armed, masked individuals intimidating them.
Second, making a statement wouldn’t have changed how we operate or our mission. We did not want to make a statement that seemed like a token gesture.
The third reason flows from the second. Everything about Peace House Community should already demonstrate loudly and clearly how we view the current situation. Our first name is Peace. Actions that promote fear and confusion contradict who we are. Our last name is Community, indicating that all who want to be part of PHC are welcome. We will talk with those who disrupt the community, looking for ways to keep them in, but if their behavior truly destroys our ability to commune with each other, they have to leave, at least for a short time.
And so, when people rely on fear and violence and anonymity to subdue and bully others, PHC automatically opposes them. We do this by continuing to welcome everyone, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or anything else that could be used against them. We focus on our mission of nourishing bodies and souls by providing a safe space of belonging to everyone. We pursue our vision of wounded individuals being healed through caring relationships in a supportive community. We continue to value listening, respect, grace, serenity, and compassion.
Thank-you for providing a place like PHC to our community members.