More Local News <\/a><\/p>\n\u201cWe are standing up for dignity on this day, Ash Wednesday day to reclaim our humanity and show what we believe together.\u201d Says Matthew Hyde,\u00a0 Episcopal Bishop of New York, \u201cand it\u2019s absolutely time to turn back and repent from the chaos and cruelties in our neighborhoods and turn back towards hope.\u201d<\/p>\n
Protesters circled the federal building in prayer, calling it a meaningful way to begin the Lenten journey.<\/p>\n
Between prayers and chants, demonstrators carried signs denouncing ICE enforcement operations. Some say they believe the agency\u2019s actions are harming communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to get rid of ICE,\u201d says Chris Smith, who was in attendance. \u201cICE has not been good for our country, what they are doing to our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Organizers say the gathering was about living out their faith publicly, especially during Lent.<\/p>\n
\u201cJesus, for those of us that are Christian, was somebody who stood up for migrants,\u201d says Sharon Hirbar from The Kairos Center for Religious Rights and Social Justice. \u201c Folks are here living out their faith on the street and reminding us, especially during this time when our communities are terrorized, that we have to stand up and speak out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Organizers say they plan to continue holding conversations and gatherings throughout Lent focused on what they describe as reclaiming humanity and protecting one another.<\/p>\n
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