Bishop Rob Wright of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta welcomed Bishop Craig Loya of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota to a recent episode of the For People podcast, recorded as a resource for clergy and lay leaders in Atlanta and across the wider Church responding to the immigration crisis unfolding in Minnesota and beyond.

Released amid escalating immigration enforcement and widespread fear in immigrant communities, the episode offers an on-the-ground perspective from Minnesota. Bishop Loya described two realities unfolding at once:

“On the one hand, we’re seeing a campaign of cruelty and intimidation and violence. On the other hand, we’re seeing the faith community mobilizing for love.” — Bishop Craig Loya

“The central question for followers of Jesus is always the same: What does Christian love require of us now?” — Bishop Rob Wright

Seeking to move beyond headlines, Bishop Wright invited Bishop Loya to share the lived experiences of congregations responding in real time. Bishop Loya recounted Episcopal communities delivering food to families afraid to leave their homes, expanding food pantries, caring for children, and standing watch outside daycares. He also shared stories of aggressive enforcement actions, including the detention of a U.S. citizen and church leader, underscoring the scope of what communities are facing:

“What we are seeing goes way beyond what can reasonably be understood as law enforcement.” — Bishop Craig Loya

The themes raised in the podcast echo a recently released letter signed by 154 bishops across The Episcopal Church, including Bishop Wright. Addressed to the American public, the letter names grief and righteous anger over state-sanctioned violence, calls attention to the erosion of public trust, and asks a central moral question: Whose dignity matters? Grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the bishops call for accountability, restraint in enforcement practices, and renewed commitment to the rule of law, while urging people of faith to act with courage, compassion, and hope.

Throughout the podcast conversation, Bishop Wright and Bishop Loya reflected on the Church’s moral responsibility to care for immigrants and the vulnerable, even amid differing views on policy.

“There’s no clearer moral imperative in the Bible than our obligation to care for the stranger.” — Bishop Craig Loya

The episode also addresses despair, moral courage, and the sustaining power of prayer, community, and nonviolent witness. Bishop Loya invited listeners to respond by praying, speaking out, and supporting ministries providing food, legal aid, and direct assistance to immigrant families, including Casa María and the Episcopal Church in Minnesota’s Migrant Support Fund.

Produced by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, For People explores faith, leadership, justice, and discipleship in today’s world. The episode is available on the Diocese of Atlanta’s website and podcast platforms.

Give to the Episcopal Church in Minnesota here

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