Wonderful news from Wednesday night's City Council meeting. Rev. Heather and Rev. Molly attended on behalf of Saints James and Andrew with the Vestry's support. Part of Rev. Heather's public comment quote is in the Valley Advocate's article, "Two years after failed vote, Greenfield adopts ‘Safe City’ ordinance".  To read all of Rev. Heather's statement on behalf of the church, please see below. 

Good evening counselors.

I'm here tonight both as a resident of Greenfield, and as one of the pastors serving the Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew. I would like to speak in support of the safe city ordinance that you are considering bringing before city council. 
Two years ago when Greenfield first considered becoming a safe city our nation's political climate was quickly becoming hateful, volatile, and for many of our neighbors, dangerous.  Some of our nation's elected officials have continued their fear mongering and hate speech to attack immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. In so doing, it has gave permission for any and everyone to do the same. We also see story after story about the abominable conditions where people are being detained on our southern border. 
We have a choice to make as a community. We can do nothing or we can stand together. This is the moment for our community to stand together to ensure all people within the boundaries of our city know they are welcomed, safe, and have the basic rights to report a crime without fear of deportation. 
In the episcopal faith tradition, we promise in our baptism to respect the dignity of every human being. In choosing to become a safe city, we would be choosing to respect the worth of every single person within the borders of our city. Please consider bringing this ordinance before council next week. Thank you.  

Check out the Editorial in the Greenfield Recorder on Monday, June 3, 2019 Monday shorts: Grads, artwork and bees which talks about the work on the community labyrinth!