Resources

This advisory provides guidance for nonprofit organizations and social service providers in New Jersey on how to prepare for and respond to immigration enforcement actions. Prepared by Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Make the Road New Jersey, and the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs, the document outlines constitutional rights, best practices for protecting clients, and practical protocols for staff if immigration agents arrive at a facility. It also includes sample policies, reporting forms, and explanations of judicial versus administrative warrants, with the goal of helping nonprofits support immigrant communities while remaining within the law.

https://files.constantcontact.com/7ec42e2e001/f93460e8-7870-4300-9ca4-65851da427cc.pdf

This article shares a statement from the Advocacy Committee for Women and Gender Justice of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) expressing support for Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. The Committee highlights Budde’s courage and faithfulness in proclaiming the Gospel despite facing criticism and threats, and connects her witness with the legacy of pioneering Presbyterian women who broke barriers in the church. The statement condemns hateful rhetoric directed at Budde and affirms the church’s call to justice, mercy, and love.

http://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/2025/1/27/pcusa-advocacy-committee-issues-statement-supporting-bishop-budde?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_d-rI1o664gpXhAOJY3bGpCmnfZ_rYVmKOCf7D7hj0SmPJqHvpy0TbnIa8qqazBpcEHAX-qseD2VtoKm7N6Q7kBcdi993RCR1aod31LFt1lQCOlls&_hsmi=344363423&utm_medium=email&utm_content=344363423&utm_source=hs_email

This page links to immi.org, a free online platform that helps immigrants in the United States understand their legal options and access trusted referrals to nonprofit immigration legal services. The site includes an easy-to-use screening tool that asks about family-based immigration, humanitarian relief options, U visas and T visas, and other forms of status, then provides personalized information about possible pathways and next steps. It also offers plain-language legal information and connections to a directory of nonprofit legal organizations so users can learn about their rights and find assistance safely and confidentially.

https://www.immi.org/en

This resource list, prepared by the Social Witness and Restorative Justice Committee of the Presbytery of the Coastlands, brings together a wide range of immigration-related support tools, organizations, and legal resources for immigrants, allies, nonprofits, and faith communities. It includes local and national organizations, Know Your Rights materials, legal assistance links, advocacy opportunities, and guidance for congregations discerning how to support immigrant neighbors, including information related to sanctuary, public policy, and accompaniment. The document is intended to serve as a practical starting point for education, advocacy, and faithful action. 

https://files.constantcontact.com/7ec42e2e001/3f831846-2280-4598-a60f-9362f43d4036.pdf

This announcement invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of Interfaith RISE’s new Trenton office on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event marks the launch of a local hub for Interfaith RISE’s work supporting refugees, asylees, and immigrant families in the Mercer County area, providing services, community integration resources, and advocacy efforts. Attendees are encouraged to join the celebration, meet staff, and learn more about the organization’s mission to foster self-sufficiency and welcome for all neighbors.

https://mailchi.mp/interfaithrise/trenton-office-grand-opening-21526180?e=7673a0a84f

This page provides key informational resources from the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) designed to help immigrants understand their constitutional rights and navigate encounters with immigration enforcement. It includes a Know Your Rights presentation with downloadable versions in English and Haitian Creole, offering practical guidance on how to protect oneself during interactions with ICE. These materials are intended to support community education and empowerment, while noting that they are informational only and not legal advice.

https://laldef.org/resources/

This living resource document compiles immigration-related tools, contacts, and advocacy materials from across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It includes links and guidance related to asylum, deportation defense, detention, legal services, refugee resettlement, sanctuary discernment, worship materials, advocacy opportunities, and partner organizations. The document is regularly updated and is intended to support congregations, mid councils, and individuals as they accompany immigrants and refugees through education, pastoral care, legal awareness, and faithful public witness.

http://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Ffiles.constantcontact.com%2F7ec42e2e001%2F21568a3d-9490-4957-a66c-12c569a2dcc3.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

This article explains how the recent repeal of the Sensitive Locations Memo — a policy that had limited immigration enforcement actions at places like churches, schools, and hospitals — may significantly affect congregations and community ministries. It outlines how the change could undermine the sense of safety for immigrants attending worship or seeking services, discusses the history of the policy and its connection to sanctuary efforts, and highlights the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s longstanding commitment to advocacy and support for immigrants within church communities. 

https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/2025/1/30/repeal-key-immigration-policy-holds-weighty-implications-churches-including-pcusa-congregations

This page explores the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s understanding of sanctuary as a ministry rooted in Scripture and historic practices of protection and hospitality. It explains how church communities have offered safe space—and continue to stand in solidarity—with immigrants facing deportation and family separation, while also outlining important considerations and responsibilities for both individuals seeking sanctuary and congregations discerning participation. The page highlights historical examples, theological grounding, guidance for discernment, and resources for congregations and coalitions engaged in accompaniment, advocacy, and support for vulnerable neighbors.

https://pcusa.org/about-pcusa/agencies-entities/interim-unified-agency/ministry-areas/immigration-issues/sanctuary

This news article reports on a statement from the Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity criticizing a recent executive order issued by President Trump that defines only two immutable biological sexes and could eliminate federal recognition and funding for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. The piece outlines the Committee’s concerns about the order’s impact on health care access, legal identity recognition, safety in institutional settings, and respectful acknowledgment of the diversity of God’s Creation. 

http://https//pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/2025/1/22/advocacy-committee-lgbtqia-equity-lambasts-trump-executive-order

This page gathers a curated list of ministry-focused resources related to gender diversity and inclusion in the church. It includes links to articles, books, toolkits, theological reflections, pastoral care guides, and training materials intended to support clergy and church leaders as they engage thoughtfully, faithfully, and pastorally with transgender and gender-expansive individuals and communities.

http://https//transmissionministry.com/resources/ministry-resources/

There are several suicide prevention and crisis support resources available for transgender, LGBTQ+, and allied individuals. These organizations offer free, confidential support, peer connection, and crisis intervention for people of all ages, identities, and life stages.

Trans Lifeline provides peer support for transgender people, by transgender people.
Phone: 1-877-565-8860

LGBT National Hotline offers peer support and local resources for all ages.
Phone: 1-888-843-4564

The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth.
TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386
TrevorText: Text TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200
TrevorChat: Available through The Trevor Project website

SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline offers peer support and local resources for older adults.
Phone: 1-877-360-LGBT (5428)

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support available 24/7.
Phone: 988
(Press 1 for Veterans, Press 2 for Spanish)

Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 text support with a trained counselor.
Text TALK to 741741 (English)
Text AYUDA to 741741 (Spanish)

The Trevor Project is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ young people. It provides free, confidential, 24/7 support services — including phone, text, and online chat counseling — for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. In addition to crisis support, the organization offers education, advocacy, research, and community resources to foster safe, affirming environments and help end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth.

http://https//www.thetrevorproject.org/

The Palestine Justice Network (PJN) is a mission network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) dedicated to peacemaking, education, and advocacy for justice in Palestine. The site offers information on the network’s mission, partnerships, teaching tools, advocacy resources, grants, events, and educational materials to support congregations and individuals in learning about and engaging with issues affecting Palestinians and Israelis. PJN encourages solidarity, promotes partnerships, and coordinates collective action grounded in faith and justice.

https://thepjn.org/

This curated list of resources, compiled by Joe Ritacco (February 2025), brings together books, short videos, and local organizations focused on understanding race, racism, white privilege, and systemic injustice in the United States. It includes recommended readings by Robert P. Jones and other authors, educational TED Talks and short videos, Monmouth County–based historical and cultural sites, and practical encouragement for personal and community engagement. The document is intended to support learning, reflection, and meaningful action toward racial justice and reconciliation.

https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Ffiles.constantcontact.com%2F7ec42e2e001%2Fc8e8069a-1326-4a7c-8748-ac39a6c28eab.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

This document presents the World Council of Churches’ (WCC) Central Committee’s June 2025 statement calling for an end to apartheid, occupation, and impunity in Palestine and Israel. It names the system of apartheid imposed on the Palestinian people in violation of international law, affirms Palestinian rights to freedom, justice, return, and self-determination, and urges support for accountability measures such as sanctions, arms embargoes, and backing for international legal mechanisms. The statement also highlights the resilience and witness of Palestinian Christian communities and calls on churches and international institutions to act in pursuit of peace grounded in justice and respect for human rights.

https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/statement-on-palestine-and-israel-a-call-to-end-apartheid-occupation-and-impunity-in-palestine-and-israel

This document, written by Joe Ritacco (February 2025), offers practical guidance for congregations seeking to engage racial justice in a meaningful and sustained way. It encourages churches to move beyond words and one-time events by building authentic relationships with Black congregations and organizations, creating opportunities for shared worship, dialogue, learning, and collective action, and utilizing Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) resources such as the Matthew 25 initiative. The focus is on sincere, ongoing commitment rooted in partnership, reflection, and faithful action.

https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Ffiles.constantcontact.com%2F7ec42e2e001%2F360a244c-0f7f-4c6a-9df6-f8a8a1cdd1c3.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK