Riverside Weekly Actions | May 28, 2026

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” 

Graphic designed by youth member Mya Joyner

In these words from Jesus, we hear not only comfort, but a call. Today, we stand in solidarity with the detainees at Delaney Hall who are on hunger strike, risking their bodies to cry out for dignity, justice, and humane treatment. Their hunger is a holy longing for freedom, safety, and recognition of their humanity.

Jesus also declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”  In solidarity, we are called to be peacemakers. Peacemaking is not passive silence in the face of suffering. It is the courageous work of standing beside those pushed to the margins and refusing to look away. It is choosing compassion over cruelty, accompaniment over abandonment.

The cries rising from Delaney Hall echo the cries of so many throughout history who have been denied justice and forced into invisibility. Yet scripture reminds us that God draws near to the oppressed and hears the prayers spoken through weary bodies and trembling voices.

May we not only pray for those on hunger strike, but be moved to action. May our faith make room for courage. And may righteousness roll down like water, until every cage is emptied and every human being is treated with dignity and peace.

Our neighbors detained at Delaney Hall have been on a hunger strike since Friday and their most recent letter has asked supporters to continue to protest outside in support of their demands.

 

Participants in the strike are calling for:

  • An immediate in-person meeting with NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill at Delaney Hall to directly observe conditions and hear testimony from detained individuals
  • The immediate release of vulnerable detainees, including elderly individuals, pregnant women, young people, pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions
  • Meaningful review of immigration cases and habeas filings
  • An end to what they describe as coercive pressure to sign deportation or voluntary departure documents.
ICE and the for-profit GEO Group that runs Delaney Hall have retaliated against the hunger strikers by canceling family visitation, transferring and threatening to transfer people to detention centers far away, denying access to communication, and more. But the people inside have told us to keep the pressure on even knowing that they are being further abused for daring to bring attention to the inhumane and illegal conditions. We must do our part to keep the spotlight shining on these human rights abuses and amplifying the hunger strikers’ demands. People of faith and Faith leaders have moral and political capital and now is the time to use it. Please sign up for as many shifts at Delaney Hall as you can.
The HandsOff Faith Action Subcommittee (Red Liturgies) focused on direct action organizing has created this sign-up form for faith leaders to sign up for shifts outside Delaney Hall – they need people literally any time or day or night. We will help coordinate transportation.
If you’re unable to go in-person, there are MANY other ways you can support:
  1. Share opportunities to donate to the mutual aid organizations working outside of Delaney hall and the families with loved ones in detention:
      2. Follow and share content that describes what’s happening at Delaney Hall. A few

Instagram accounts to re-share and follow:

The Earth Cries Out: A Faith Summit on Immigration + Climate Justice



June 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 

 

As daily horrors unfold with immigrants being rounded up and detained, it can be easy to forget that the climate crisis continues to displace families across the globe. Hurricanes, drought, famine, and environmental devastation force people from their homes, only for them to encounter violent xenophobia and white supremacy when they seek safety and dignity.

 

These crises are deeply connected.

 

As people of faith, we are gathering through the Covenant for Our Future to build solidarity with immigrant communities while confronting the ongoing harms of environmental injustice. Together, we will learn, organize, pray, and take action for a future rooted in justice and collective liberation.

 

Register here: The Earth Cries Out: A Faith Summit on Immigration + Climate Justice Tickets, Wednesday, June 17  •  9 AM – 5 PM | Eventbrite

Queer & Christian: Pride Eve Book Talk



May 31 @ 1:30pm  

 

And in times of chaos, there is ALWAYS room for joy and celebration. Join us this Sunday after the worship service as we celebrate Pride Eve with Rev Brandan Robertson! 

 

More info here: Riverside Church Queer & Christian: Pride Eve Book Talk – Riverside Church