Story perspectives

Divided Faith: Churches Clash Over Immigration Amid Deportation Surge

12/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

In December 2025, federal agents intensified deportation efforts in Louisiana.
Some Roman Catholic priests provided the Eucharist to immigrants afraid to leave their homes.
Pastor Lewis Richerson of Woodlawn Baptist Church refused to extend communion to undocumented immigrants, urging their self-deportation.
The Southern Baptist Convention historically supported immigration reforms, but a growing faction now shares Richerson's stance, signaling a divide amid the crackdown on immigrant ministries.

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Story summary

In December 2025, federal agents intensified deportation efforts in Louisiana.
Some Roman Catholic priests provided the Eucharist to immigrants afraid to leave their homes.
Pastor Lewis Richerson of Woodlawn Baptist Church refused to extend communion to undocumented immigrants, urging their self-deportation.
The Southern Baptist Convention historically supported immigration reforms, but a growing faction now shares Richerson's stance, signaling a divide amid the crackdown on immigrant ministries.