On Christmas Eve, I usually take a special collection to help people in need. This year, when our immigrant and refugee family members and neighbors are the target of so much violence, and remembering that Jesus was a refugee, I would like to raise money for BIJAN.

The Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN) is a network of volunteers in the Boston area and beyond that supports people in immigration detention in New England. They host the Beyond Bond and Legal Defense Fund (Bond Fund) that pays immigration bonds for people held in New England or with a connection to MA. Paying bonds is a critical step in supporting immigrants in detention. ICE detentions, and all places of incarceration, are notorious for horrific, traumatic conditions. Bonding people out frees them from living in these conditions, as they await their court date, and allows better access to resources, legal support, and family support. They also pay $20/month for around 500 people who are detained to support, which allows them to make phone calls, buy soap, clothes and needed supplies, send mail and try to get by while detained.

Our cash offering will go to the Bond Fund. Checks should be made out to First Church in Jamaica Plain with the word “Beyond” in the memo line. When giving online, select “Beyond” in the drop down menu.