Community Members to Host ‘Immigrants Are Welcome Here’ Vigil in Charleston

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Community members and faith leaders will gather Thursday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Church in Charleston for an interfaith vigil titled “Immigrants Are Welcome Here.”

The event is interfaith, multilingual and open to the public. Leaders from multiple faith traditions are expected to participate.

Organizers say the vigil "seeks to affirm the dignity, humanity and belonging of immigrant neighbors in the Charleston area." The gathering will include brief reflections, prayer and a candle-lighting ceremony.

Organizers describe the event as "a peaceful, family-friendly space rooted in solidarity, compassion and shared moral values."

The vigil will take place during Immigrants Are Welcome Here Week (Feb. 23–27), a series of events across South Carolina intended to show hospitality and solidarity with immigrant communities. More information is available on the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina website.

“We are encouraging faith leaders and members of the community more broadly to join us for this vigil,” said Will McCorkle of Luke 4 Ministries. “We know that in times of hostility we must choose compassion, and that in times of injustice we must stand by those who are most vulnerable in our community. History will remember where we stood in moments of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. We must be remembered for standing by our convictions and for our immigrant neighbors in this moment.”

“South Carolinians across faith traditions believe that we are called to welcome and care for our neighbors,” said Dulce J. López, immigrant rights advocacy strategist for the ACLU of South Carolina. “When politicians seek to demonize and harm members of immigrant communities, it is especially important for us to join together in a spirit of welcome and solidarity.”

The Unitarian Church is located at 4 Archdale St. in Charleston.