How We Began
The way to get
started is to quit
talking and
begin doing.
Walt Disney
After the 2024 election, members of the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe began expressing concerns about immigration policies and broader social issues. These conversations naturally found a home within the church’s Missions and Social Justice Committee, which focuses on compassion, justice, and community care.
As these concerns grew, connections formed with other local faith communities – Westminster Presbyterian Church, The Open Circle and St. John’s United Methodist Church. By early 2025, the four congregations began sharing their experiences supporting immigrant families in Santa Fe. Many had long-standing relationships with local service organizations and saw the value in coming together .
In April 2025, the four churches hosted a listening session with key community partners, including :
• New Mexico Immigrant Law Center
• Adelante Program, Santa Fe Public Schools
• Contigo Immigrant Justice (formerly Santa Fe Dreamers)
• Las Cumbres
• Gerard’s House
This session helped clarify the most pressing needs and sparked a collaborative effort. Since then, roughly 30 Faith Coalition members have been working to turn shared ideas into meaningful action across their congregations.
How We Are Growing
Over the summer of 2025, two more congregations joined the Faith Coalition: United Church of Santa Fe and Christ Lutheran Church. With each new partner, our reach and impact continues to grow.
While immigration remains a central focus of our work, we are also responding to a wide range of social needs in the Santa Fe community — from homelessness, hunger, and family support to many other pressing concerns.
Looking ahead, we plan to:
- Host additional listening sessions with service providers;
- Welcome more faith communities into the coalition;
- Educate our members on how to support immigrant neighbors;
- Expand our collective efforts across Santa Fe
We’re following our faith to welcome the stranger, comfort the afflicted, lead the hungry, care for the poor, and see that justice is done for all. (Matthew 25:35-40; Micah 6:8, Exodus 22:20)