NEXT STEPS re: Stand with Muslims in Response to Supreme Court Decision

More than 100 people gathered on June 26 at 5pm at the corner of Winchester and Stevens Creek in San Jose to protest the Supreme Court decision upholding the Muslim ban. The event was hosted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and co-hosted by MVPJ along with a multitude of other faith and civic organizations. Other rallies were held across the nation.

Click here for video analysis of the SCOTUS decision from CAIR.

WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

1) If you are not a Muslim, contact every Muslim you know to tell them that you care, that you stand in solidarity with them, and that we will fight this together.  Many Muslims now face not being able to have family members be with them for weddings, birthdays, at times of sickness or death and much more. It can be an excrutiatingly painful time. The Supreme Court decision also opens the door for more acts of discrimination and hate.  It can be a scary time, too.  We must remember that we belong together as one human family. Show your commitment today. Don't underestimate how important personal relationships are at this time!

2) If you are Muslim, reach out to those you trust for care and comfort and courage. Remember that you are not alone. We are in this together and for the long haul. Click here to read CAIR's "Know Your Rights" statement for important and updated information. The Family and Youth Institute has very helpful information about processing your own feelings and talking with your children, "Being a Muslim Family in the Time of the Muslim Ban."

3) Contact your members of Congress to tell them to stand up against the Muslim Ban and this decision. The Friends Committee on National Legislation (Quakers, FCNL) reminds us, "This ruling does not change the basic truth: the president's executive order immorally and intentionally targets Muslim citizens, immigrants, and visitors. The Supreme Court has said that the policy is permissible. But that doesn't make it right." Even if you think your Congressmembers agree with you, a call or email urges them to take leadership in the effort to rescind the ban. Click here to use the FCNL website to send a a letter -- or better yet, call directly!

4) If you use Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, click here for these easy tools provided by CAIR to amplify the message via social media.

RELIGIOUS RESPONSES TO THE SCOTUS DECISION

United Church of Christ: "UCC Leaders Sickened, Angered by Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Muslim Travel Ban"

Roman Catholic: "Chairman of U.S. Bishops' Migration Committee and Religious Liberty Committee Express Disappointment with Supreme Court Ruling in Travel Ban Case"

The Muslim Ban is a part of a long assault, one among many, on immigrant communities. Our diverse faiths teach us to stand in solidarity with one another, and we will continue to do this in compassionate and courageous ways. We know we are stronger together, and will build our communities with love and respect for all.