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Christian leaders urge protection of worshippers' rights after Minnesota church disruption
Summary
About three dozen protesters entered Cities Church in St. Paul during a Sunday service, disrupting worship and prompting church leaders to end the service early. The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the incident.
Content
About three dozen protesters entered Cities Church in St. Paul during a Sunday service and interrupted the worship, officials said. Christian leaders responded by calling for protection of worshippers' rights while also expressing compassion for migrants. The U.S. Department of Justice announced it has opened a civil rights investigation. The episode comes amid heightened immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota and public disagreement among faith leaders over how to respond.
Key facts:
- About three dozen protesters entered Cities Church in St. Paul during a Sunday service, and church leaders said the service was cut short.
- One of the church's pastors is the local field office leader for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the incident.
- Christian leaders across denominations voiced concern, urging protection for worship while also noting the need for pastoral care for migrants.
Summary:
The incident has underscored tensions between immigration enforcement and community activism and prompted faith leaders to call for respect for houses of worship. The Justice Department's civil rights office is investigating; further legal outcomes are undetermined at this time.
