Open Letter from Catholic, Evangelical, and Jewish Community Leaders
See also press statement Jan. 22 by evangelical immigrant pastors
Sign on to the letter here
Additional Signatories
Rev. Dr. Jim Olson, Founder, All Nations Family of Churches
James Racine, Lead Pastor, All Peoples Church Twin Cities
Rick Henderson, Lead Pastor, Autumn Ridge Church, Rochester
Rev. Dr. Steven Rasmussen, lead pastor, Bethel Christian Fellowship
Yonathan Moya, Border Perspective
Pastor Zach Thompson, Calvary Church
Rev. Darrell John Geddes, Christ Church International
Rev. Emily Hamilton, Christ Presbyterian Church
Petey Crowder, Christ Presbyterian Church
Rev. Jon Good, Christ Presbyterian Church
Fr. Christian Ruch, Church of the Cross
Jared Sells, Pastor of Worship Arts & Formation, City Church, Minneapolis
Amy Rowell, Senior Pastor, City Church, Minneapolis
Zachary Castor, Student Ministries Pastor, City Church, Minneapolis
Andy Kumpel, Regional President, Converge North Central
Rev. Rob Bergfalk, Envision Twin Cities
Rev. Rick Wallace, Envision Twin Cities
John Jacobi, Evangelical Covenant Church, retired
Jordan Geffre, Pastoral Resident, Faith Church Minnetonka
Joel Schmieg, Associate Pastor, Faith Church Minnetonka
Brian Petty, Seminarian, Faith Church, Minnetonka
Rev. Charlene Rotvold, Faith Covenant Church
Brad Kindall, Lead Pastor, Faith Covenant Church
Rev. Curtis Brophy, Faith Presbyterian Church
Kim Laufenburger, Executive Director of Operations, Hope Church, Richfield
Rev. KC DiNardo, Hope Church, Richfield
David Lenz, Lead Pastor, Hope Church, Richfield
Ben Sollie, Hope Lutheran Church
Pastors Ryan and Jenn Alexander, Hosanna Church
Caitlyn Stenerson, Pastor, Knox Church
Rev. Woody M Roland, Lanesboro Fellowship
Aaron Merritt, Mercy Hill
Rev. Stephanie O’Brien, Mill City Church
Carleigh McCormick – Director of Teams, Mill City Church
Derrick Grow, Elder, New Hope Church
Dr. Matthew R. St. John, Senior Pastor, New Hope Church
Ernie Warkentin Consultant, New Hope Church
Rev. Steven Eng, NewDay Covenant Church, Rochester
Rev. Brent Paulson, Pastor Emeritus
Chris Meirose – Executive Pastor, Quarry Church
Michael Grose, Lead Pastor, Quarry Church
Pastor Jedidiah Scharmer, Resurrection Lutheran Church
Rev. Dr. Tucker Anderson, River City Church, Minneapolis
Jared Mondlock, Elder, River City Church, Minneapolis
Andy Norris, Church Planter, River City Church, Minneapolis
Jeremy Adelman, Pastor, River City Church, Minneapolis
Rev. Erik Wahlen, Rose Hill Alliance Church
Kelsey Manfred, Associate Pastor, Rose Hill Alliance Church
Rev. Michele Arndt, Roseville Covenant Church
Roland Mossberg, Senior Pastor, Salem Road Covenant Church
Rev. Dr. Jeremey A King , Lead Pastor, Shepherd of the Valley Church
Sara J Diercks, The House – Eagan
Clynt Reddy, Vice-Chair of the Board, Transform Minnesota board of directors
James Medina – Spiritual Leader, Transform Minnesota board of directors
George Stagg, Pastor, Twin Cities Church
Rev. Thomas J. Pfotenhauer, Woodbury Lutheran Church
Dr. Thomas M Crist, Woodbury Lutheran Church
Brad Miller, Woodbury Lutheran Church
Karl Emerson, Pastor, Word of Life Church
Brian Herron Pastor, Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. Kory Kleinsasser,
Rev. Daniel Swartz, Pastor,
Drew Zuehlke, Pastor,
Judith C. Ritchie, honorably retired pastor,
January 23, 2026
As leaders in Minnesota’s Catholic, Evangelical, and Jewish communities, we represent and serve Minnesotans who live and work in every corner of our state. In recent weeks, we have been alarmed by stories of the too many Minnesota residents (citizens and immigrants) who’ve suffered under what the federal government itself calls “Operation Metro Surge.” We are also concerned by the toll this crisis is inflicting on the trusted relationships that must exist between law enforcement and the communities they are sworn to protect.
We know you have heard these same stories and may have other experiences that help you understand the human cost this crisis is exacting across Minnesota.
The factors driving this crisis are complex, such as our broken immigration system. But despite profound differences within our communities and our nation more broadly on immigration policy, all of our elected officials share a moral obligation to protect human dignity, preserve civil peace, and reduce the risk that more people will be harmed or even killed before this current crisis ends.
We are taking a public leap of faith and urging our federal, state, and local leaders to come together and chart an off-ramp from this crisis. Therefore, we ask you to present a united Minnesota vision that prioritizes de-escalation by 1) promoting collaboration among federal and state law enforcement to remove dangerous people from our streets; 2) respecting the need for federal immigration reform and curtailing immigration enforcement against law-abiding undocumented immigrants and those pursuing legal pathways our own government has created; 3) respecting the civil and human rights of undocumented immigrants and citizens; 4) protecting the most vulnerable among us who are afraid to work, go to school, or even to procure the basic necessities of life; and 5) restoring safety, security, and calm in our streets, workplaces, especially in places of sanctuary such as schools, and houses of worship.
This is a moment for responsible leadership that reduces the risk that this terrible crisis may become even worse.
Minnesota needs you to act together—now.
Jason Adkins, Executive Director
Minnesota Catholic Conference
Carl Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer
Transform Minnesota the evangelical network
Steve Hunegs, Executive Director
Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas
