Episcopal Churches March for Immigration Reform
For the second consecutive year, Episcopalians from the Dioceses of Los Angeles and San Diego participated in "Called to the Wall," a one-day walk to the U.S.-Mexico border to demonstrate and stand in solidarity with immigrants.
Church members united with immigrants Monday on a pilgrimage to the border at Playas Tijuana.
The processional began in Los Angeles at MacArthur Park on Wilshire Boulevard.
The pilgrimage included stops at the Church of the Messiah in Santa Ana and St. John's Episcopal Church in Chula Vista.
A mix of people attended including immigrants, church members, supporters and church leadership. The services were lead by Bishop Suffragan of Los Angeles Diane Jargine Bruce and Bishop James Mathes of San Diego.
The desired outcome was "to have people aware of issues regarding immigration and to be more sensitive and loving to those affected," according to Bishop Bruce. The Bishop also stated that the issue was important because it affected many members of the Los Angeles Diocese.
The pilgrimage brought together the intersection of spirituality and activism as supporters wanted to spread awareness about the need for immigration reform by commemorating the several stations of the crucifixion.
This spiritual outlook on the issue was present among many of the pilgrimages' leaders and supporters.
"The hope is to explore the border as a spiritual place during Lent and Holy Week," said Reverend Jennifer Hughes.
"The prayer and desire of the Episcopalians participating in today's pilgrimage is to demonstrate solidarity with immigrants by walking the way of the cross, communicating that Jesus accompanies us in the current challenges of our lives," said Robert Williams, Canon for Community Relations.
The culmination of the processional was a joint service with the pilgrimage group and fellow Episcopalians on the Mexican side of the line at Playas Tijuana.
