Redwood Forest Friends Meeting Moral Statement on Immigration

On May 11, 2025, Redwood Forest Friends Meeting approved the following: Redwood Forest Friends Meeting declares itself a Sanctuary Congregation in alliance with the Sonoma County Sanctuary Coalition for Immigrant Defense. Redwood Forest Friends Meeting will not house people seeking sanctuary in its buildings but will offer support to other faith communities and organizations that house sanctuary seekers. Redwood Forest Friends Meeting will, through individual members and attenders, offer support to immigrant families as may be needed, including but not limited to volunteering medical aid, meal preparation, mental health referrals, transportation services, advocacy, direct action such as vigils, marches and non-violent protests, on behalf of the immigrant community in Sonoma County.

On June 14, 2026  Redwood Forest Friends Meeting approved the following moral statement in support of the immigrant community in Sonoma County: 

Siezing, detaining, and deporting immigrants without due process of law and placing them in danger of physical harm, severe emotional crisis, and death is unjust and immoral.  The actions by Immigrant and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Sonoma County have resulted in the disruption of families and the heightening of fears and anxieties in residents throughout our community.   There is no moral ground for the inhumane behavior of ICE. As members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), we believe there is that of God in everyone, including our adversaries.  We call on all ICE agents everywhere to exhibit compassion, non-violence, and respect for all human beings regardless of their countries of origin and/or their ethnicity.