At least 27 Christian and Jewish bodies have filed a federal lawsuit against the administration of the US President, Donald Trump to shield worshippers from being arrested.
Recall that Trump had recently signed executive orders that targeted illegal immigrants in the country.
The lawsuit filed by religious bodies at the US District Court in Washington aimed to challenge Trump’s policy that grants immigration agents broader authority to conduct arrests in several places including houses of worship.
They argued that the policy instills fear among worshipers, leading to decreased attendance at worship services and essential community programs.
The plaintiffs claim this infringes on their religious freedom, specifically their ability to minister to migrants, including undocumented individuals.
“We have immigrants, refugees, people who are documented and undocumented,” said Most Rev. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church.
“We cannot worship freely if some of us are living in fear,” he told The Associated Press.