Hundreds of Jewish, Muslim and Christian faith leaders will join IndianapolisMayor Joe Hogsett and Sheriff John Layton on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. to discuss efforts to protect immigrants, Muslims, people of color and other groups targeted by President Donald Trump’s recent series of executive orders.
The Public Action for a City of Inclusion event is organized by Indianapolis Congregation Action Network (IndyCAN), a broad-based, faith-oriented grassroots organization and member of PICO National Network. In addition to addressing the political climate at the national level, IndyCAN members will detail steps the city can take to protect families targeted by discriminatory and unconstitutional orders. Among the steps proposed is an explicit commitment from the mayor and sheriff to refrain from using public funds to enforce or carry out federal immigration policies. Event organizers will also urge Layton to immediately take steps to detangle and prevent local law enforcement from serving as an extension of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“In this time of uncertainty, there is one thing I am certain of: as a society, as a state, as a city, as people of many faiths, we cannot afford to allow our neighbors to be targeted for exclusion, expulsion or incarceration,” said Rev. Shannon MacVean-Brown, canon vicar of Christ Church Cathedral and leader with IndyCAN. “
The event will be held at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 550 N. Rural St., and transportation will be provided. Buses will depart at 1 p.m. from the following churches: St. Monica (6131 N. Michigan Road), Holy Spirit (7243 E. 10th St.) and St. Anthony (379 N. Warman Ave.)
