""We're all living with this same panic," Vicente said. "More than anything, it's the fear of being separated from our children.""
""It's to dispel fear, first of all, and also to let them know that they are not alone in this," said Mbuthi, who's originally from Kenya and holds mass in both Spanish and English. "We want to show them solidarity.""
""that they may see our brothers and sisters not as criminals, not as enemies, but as human beings.""
A long-term East Bay resident without secure immigration status reports pervasive anxiety and fear of family separation caused by intensified immigration enforcement. Faith in Action East Bay organized a mass to build solidarity and reassure immigrant families, prompted by declining catechism attendance as parents avoid leaving home. Father Simon Mbuthi held bilingual services to dispel fear and demonstrate support, framing prayer as both comfort and a plea for compassionate decision-making by authorities. Widespread social media and news footage of aggressive enforcement actions have spurred Bay Area faith leaders to mobilize and offer solace.
Read at Kqed
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