Walking in Love

The love of Jesus compels us not merely to feel compassion, but to walk alongside those who are most vulnerable. A powerful local effort recently launched in San Diego demonstrates how faith communities can embody that love in tangible, life‑affirming ways.

Faithful Accompaniment in Trust & Hope

On August 5, 2025, the Times of San Diego reported on a new Catholic-led initiative called Faithful Accompaniment In Trust & Hope (FAITH). Volunteers—many wearing buttons proclaiming “Faithful Accompaniment In Trust & Hope”—line the halls of immigration court to escort refugees and asylum seekers through hearings so they are not alone. Spurred by a June World Refugee Day event, when Bishop Michael Pham and other clergy presence caused masked ICE agents to “scatter,” the Diocese organized training, orientation sessions, and a sign‑up calendar. As many as 70 volunteers gathered at its launch, providing a presence of solidarity and care for those facing the legal system.

A Synod-Wide Call to Compassion

This initiative resonates deeply with reflections shared by our own Bishop David Nagler of the Pacifica Synod of the ELCA. In his July 3, 2025 blog post, “Rediscovering Our Humanity through the Imago Dei,” Nagler describes accompanying an asylum seeker into immigration court and passing masked ICE agents in tactical gear. He alerted to the spiritual weariness that results when identity is masked and human connection is broken. He writes:

“As we walked past these officers … their face coverings reminded me of stormtroopers in Star Wars, who are faceless and therefore beyond empathy...”

“After his hearing … I told him he was not alone and that I would see him the next time he needed us to escort him to court.” 

Nagler emphasizes our shared Imago Dei—that each human, regardless of status or role, bears God’s divine image. He reminds us:

“That means seeing it in the immigrant and the ICE agent … there really is no ‘us’ nor ‘them,’ just one beautiful Us.” 

Call to Faith Leaders at First Lutheran Church

At First Lutheran Church and TACO we are invited by scripture—and by leaders like Bishop Pham and Bishop Nagler—to put faith into action in our own community. Did you know the 

We especially encourage our faith leaders—deacons, lay ministers, retired pastors—to step forward. Your experience, spiritual maturity, and pastoral care gifts can shape accompaniment teams that are both effective and deeply embodied in Christ’s love.

Bishop Nagler’s call is clear: recognizing the divine image in every person moves us past labels and fear into genuine solidarity. It’s a spiritual practice that dismantles division and connects us in common humanity.

References

1. Deborah Sullivan Brennan, “Local Catholics’ New Ministry: Daily Walks with Fearful Facing San Diego Immigration Court,” Times of San Diego, August 5, 2025. https://timesofsandiego.com/life/2025/08/05/local-catholics-new-ministry-daily-walks-with-fearful-facing-sd-immigration-court.

2. Bishop Dave Nagler, “Rediscovering Our Humanity Through Imago Dei,” Pacifica Synod, July 3, 2025. https://www.pacificasynod.org/rediscovering-our-humanity-through-imago-dei/.