FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR organizes an INTERFAITH GATHERING TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR OUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORS in CHARLOTTESVILLE.
Public event calls for compassion, justice, and solidarity with our immigrant neighbors

Charlottesville, VA — Members of Charlottesville's faith communities invite the public to an Interfaith Gathering to Show Support for Our Immigrant Neighbors. This interfaith gathering is part of the LOVE THY NEIGHBOR initiative which developed from an initial Faith & Immigration gathering held in the summer of 2025, which drew more than 130 participants from many faith traditions across the greater Charlottesville area.

The participants, including those involved with faith communities and those who are motivated solely by personal conviction, came together out of a shared concern over the enforcement of immigration policies that detain people without violent criminal offenses, separate children from parents, and break up families. The purpose of LOVE THY NEIGHBOR is simple yet vital: to support our immigrant neighbors through advocacy, education, and compassionate action.

“As people of faith and conscience, we are called to act — to support our immigrant neighbors and protect the integrity of families,” said Jim Webb, who is facilitating the group. “We insist on due process and respect for the dignity of every person.”

The LOVE THY NEIGHBOR Statement on Immigration Enforcement affirms the following:

• We, as members of faith communities and those motivated by personal conscience, support families and show compassion to the stranger.
• We condemn policies that shatter immigrant families when neither parents nor children have been charged with violent crimes.
• We condemn detaining individuals without informing families of their loved ones’ whereabouts or permitting communication and visitation.
• We call upon our elected leaders and fellow citizens to ensure that immigrant families remain together and are treated with fairness and humanity.

Event Details
What: Interfaith Gathering to Show Support for Our Immigrant Neighbors
When: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 2:00 pm
Where: Downtown Mall, Charlottesville, starting at the West End
Who: Open to all who are concerned about the safety and security of our immigrant neighbors

For more information or to add your name to the statement, contact Jim Webb at lovethyneighborcville@gmail.com