By Miles Layton

Inspired by recent social media postings by Jonathan Tobias, a professor of religion living in Edenton, on how Christians should respond to events in Minnesota, I wanted to know how to respond as a Christian. 

For internet commenters out there, I’m not going to debate what ICE is doing and all that other than to say I’m pretty supportive of our local law enforcement and know it’s probably not a good idea to pick up a flashbang grenade, no matter what side of the debate you support.  

That said, as I grow in my faith, I wonder how Jesus would react. I know there are probably different interpretations, and that’s OK, but I had to start somewhere, and for me, that’s the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina. I’m also including a devotional from Warwick Baptist Church Pastor Jeffery Russell – a wise man I respect. 

EDENTON — Amid national outrage over federal immigration enforcement, including the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, and subsequent protests calling for systemic change, the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina says its guidance to clergy and parishioners is rooted in faith and Christian principles rather than partisan politics. 

The killing of Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, occurred during heightened federal immigration operations in Minneapolis. Federal authorities have claimed the ICE officer acted in self-defense, but video footage and local leaders have disputed that account. Outrage over the incident has sparked vigils and protests nationwide and has prompted Episcopal leaders to emphasize peaceful, faithful public witness. 

National Episcopal leaders have encouraged the use of the church’s “Protesting Faithfully” toolkit, a set of guidelines and resources for engaging in public demonstrations with spiritual grounding, an emphasis on safety, and a focus on justice, peace, and love. 

The Rev. Wendy Abrahamson, a priest in the Diocese of Iowa, summarized that approach: “If I’m involved in something, it’s important for me to really, truthfully make sure I’m doing it as someone who follows Jesus … He talks about caring for those who are suffering. … There’s a lot of suffering going on right now.” 

This national and regional context frames Bishop Rob Skirving’s comments to the Albemarle Observer on how the church should respond to current events. 

One question asked, “how folks, clergy and parishioners, are to handle this issue and any protests that may come our way.” A second followed: “what is the church’s position on current events, particularly as these issues may come to our region given its demographics?”

Skirving said clarifying “the church’s position” depends on what people mean by “the church” — a single congregation, a diocese, or the broader national structure.

“To respond to the second question first, I guess it depends in part on who you mean by ‘the church,’” he wrote. “At one level, our Presiding Bishop and others speak for ‘The Episcopal Church.’ … Some understand ‘the church’ to be their congregation or perhaps the diocese. Other Episcopalians will make clear that ‘the church’ does not speak for them. All of which makes an answer to your question about the church’s position a little challenging!” Skirving said.

He noted that for events outside eastern North Carolina — such as the protests and controversy over ICE operations in Minnesota — he looks to statements from national leadership.

“Personally, with all that is going on in Minnesota, I look to the statements of Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and of my colleague Bishop Craig Loya who leads the Episcopal Church in Minnesota,” Skirving wrote. “If we were to be facing a local crisis … then I would expect that my voice might be important for our people to hear. I don’t usually expect to speak to events happening in other places. I don’t imagine that the people of East Carolina want to hear my voice on national or international matters.”

When he does feel compelled to speak publicly, Skirving said he turns to the teachings of Jesus and the church’s core commitments.

“The teaching of Jesus includes these words from Matthew 22:37-40: ‘You shall love the Lord your God … and you shall love your neighbor as yourself,’” Skirving wrote. “And, in the way that Jesus teaches in the parable of the Good Samaritan, I understand ‘neighbor’ to include anyone in need, and not only those who are most like us.”

He also pointed parishioners to the Baptismal Covenant as a guide for living a life of Christian discipleship.

Skirving said he encourages diverse expressions of faithful witness in local communities, including support for feeding programs, assistance to those experiencing homelessness, aid for refugees and migrant workers, mentoring youth, providing medical care, showing up at local prayer gatherings or protests, and corresponding with legislators to reform unjust practices.

“Normally, our folks do not look for my direction before engaging in actions such as those listed above,” he wrote. “Sometimes, when it I believe it would be helpful, I lend my support to amplify their actions.”

Episcopal leaders nationwide have stressed that public advocacy should reflect core Christian principles of love, solidarity with the vulnerable, justice and peace, not partisan positions. As the church’s Protesting Faithfully materials explain: “As Episcopalians, our faith calls us to stand in solidarity with vulnerable people, to proclaim justice and peace, and to love our neighbors.” 

Church leaders and clergy involved in protests have emphasized the importance of peaceful presence and listening. For example, the Rev. Cara Ellen Modisett of Virginia said a physical presence in the public square can be meaningful in places of conflict. 

Meanwhile, the Rev. Anne Marie Witchger of New York said that recent immigration enforcement episodes represent a moment for faith communities to demonstrate moral courage. 

Skirving’s message to his diocese reflects that balance: remain rooted in the teachings of Jesus, serve local needs, and participate in public life according to one’s conscience and Christian calling, even as national conversations about immigration enforcement, justice and protest continue to evolve.

Episcopal News Service reporting contributed to this report.

From Warwick Baptist Church Pastor Jeffery Russell — Jan 27, 2026 Devotion for Today, “Worship Under Siege” I Peter 5:8-11 NKJV

The Scripture

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Worship Under Siege

 The frigid, arctic air in St. Paul feels different. For those at Cities Church, the sanctuary on University Avenue is no longer just a place of quiet meditation; it has become a front line. Following the recent “invasion” of the Sunday service by protesters on January 18, 2026—where the chants for “Justice for Renée Good” and “ICE Out” drowned out the prayers—the “roaring lion” Peter describes feels very close to our doors.

When agitators disrupt a worship service, targeting elders and frightening children, the natural response is a mix of anger, trauma, and a desire to strike back. But Peter’s call to be sober and vigilant is a call to look past the faces in the pews or the megaphones at the entrance. Our true adversary isn’t the neighbor shouting in the aisle; it is the spirit of chaos and division that seeks to devour our peace.

Resisting the Roar on University Avenue

The Twin Cities are currently a cauldron of turmoil. With the tragic deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents, and the ongoing tension of “Operation Metro Surge,” the “roar” is deafening.

– The World’s Roar: Demands immediate, often violent, retribution and total ideological alignment.

– The Gospel’s Resistance: Demands we remain “steadfast in the faith”—clinging to the sovereignty of Jesus Christ even when our “sensitive spaces” are violated.

Peter reminds us that we are not the first Christians to have our gatherings monitored or interrupted. Our “brotherhood in Christ” has worshipped in catacombs and under the shadow of empires. To resist the devil today means refusing to let the political rage of 2026 strip us of our primary identity as citizens of a different Kingdom.

The Promise to the Weary

The turmoil in Minneapolis and the intrusion into the Cities Church worship space are described by Peter as something we endure “after you have suffered a while.” This season of federal surges and protest sieges is not the end of the story.

God has a fourfold work for Cities Church, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and our nation:

1. Perfect: He will mend the fractures caused by this week’s disruptions.

2. Establish: He will make our commitment to the Gospel firmer than the foundations of the Capitol.

3. Strengthen: He will give us the “spiritual muscle” to love our enemies even as they shout at us.

4. Settle: He will bring a divine stillness to the Twin Cities that no policy or protest can achieve.

To Him-Jesus—not to the powers of ICE or the voices of the street—be the dominion forever.

Prayer for Today

Lord, we pray for Cities Church and the cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul. We lift up the families of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, asking for Your comfort in their grief. We also ask for Your protection over our congregation. When our space is invaded and our peace is challenged, help us to be sober-minded. Do not let fear devour us. Instead, establish us in Your grace and settle our hearts in the midst of this storm. Amen.