MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church in Minneapolis opened its doors for a special Sunday service — called a service of ‘Lament and Hope’ — aimed at acknowledging the emotional turmoil experienced by the community after the fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration officer.
“Thank you for being here this morning. Gathering is such a critical, critical thing to do, especially in these times. It’s been a difficult week,” said Rev. Hierald Osorto, addressing a congregation seated on wooden benches.
The service comes against the backdrop of heightened attention on Minneapolis as the latest flashpoint in President Trump’s immigration crackdown. Approximately 2,000 agents from the Department of Homeland Security have converged on the region, intensifying fears within the immigrant communities and sparking fierce opposition from activists.
Located just 1.5 miles from the site of the shooting, the church has focused its mission on supporting a predominantly immigrant congregation in an area heavily impacted by immigration enforcement.
Candles lit and hymns sung amidst tension
The service unfolded in a manner typical for the church, with candles lit, hymns sung, and communion offered, but outside, enforcement officers drove through the neighborhood, detaining individuals while activists attempted to obstruct their actions.
Inside St. Paul’s, attendees exchanged smiles, lit candles, and engaged in the prayers, each receiving pamphlets that detailed the service, songs, and messages of support for immigrants, prominently featuring the words, ‘Justice is for Everyone: Immigrant Rights Now!’. The church has presented itself as a resilient part of the community, evolving from its origins as a predominantly Swedish congregation to one that now embraces a blend of Spanish and English worship.
Prayer for the victim
During the service, Rev. Osorto offered heartfelt prayers for Renee Good, the victim of the shooting, acknowledging a slight decrease in attendance but still expressing appreciation for those who made it to the service during these challenging times. “What’s happened here in the Twin Cities has changed us for the rest of our lives,” he stated.
Anna Amundson, a member of the congregation, shared that many in the community are refraining from daily activities due to fear. “That’s why it’s even more impressive that people are still coming to church,” she noted. “People in our congregation are scared.”
One attendee, a woman named Lizete, spoke about her fears as an immigrant but found solace in attending the service. “Here I have my people, who is close to me, and I feel their real support,” she expressed.
Finding strength through hymns
The message of resilience was further emphasized through hymns, including one that recited, “Nothing can trouble, nothing can frighten. Those who seek God shall never go wanting.” Afterwards, groups assembled for a vigil, readying themselves to sing in solidarity against the immigration enforcement currently devastating their community. Others in the church were crafting paper flowers for protests, showcasing their determination to resist enforcement actions.
Jose Luis Villasenor, who spoke during the service, urged attendees to remember their bravery and resilience amidst the escalating tension. “We can get through this together, not alone,” he reinforced, highlighting the strength imbued within their community.
