In a heated debate over a controversial church sign, New Hope Community Church in Palatine, Illinois, has found itself at the center of a storm. The church’s electronic marquee displayed a message that read, “Heaven has strict immigration laws, Hell has open borders.” This statement has sparked outrage among some community members who deem it politically charged and hateful.
The backlash has been swift, with a coalition of progressive Christian and Jewish organizations, including the Episcopal Church and the Union for Reform Judaism, taking legal action against the U.S. government regarding immigration enforcement in sensitive areas like churches. They argue that recent policy changes from the Trump administration infringe on religious freedom and the right to provide sanctuary to immigrants.
Critics of the church’s sign argue that it aligns too closely with political rhetoric surrounding immigration, particularly the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. However, the church’s leadership has clarified that their message is meant to reflect spiritual truths rather than political opinions. In a statement shared on their Facebook page, they emphasized, “We did not mention any country or any people group. We do not believe that all go to heaven and wanted the community to examine their relationship with Almighty God.”
Lisa Beth Szczupaj, president of the Palatine Elementary District 15 school board, voiced her concerns, stating that the sign’s message could confuse and frighten children. “It is unfortunate that a couple of phrases that some adults feel to be clever are posted in the face of many innocent schoolchildren,” she remarked, urging the church to reconsider its message.
Local resident Katharine Huddleston expressed her dismay, noting that she moved to Palatine for its diversity and inclusivity. “Seeing something like this is really upsetting,” she stated, adding that the community should be one of love and acceptance.
In response to the backlash, some community members are organizing to counter the church’s message with what they call “signs of positivity.” Theresa Greinig, a resident mobilizing this effort, emphasized that the church’s message does not represent the values of Palatine.
Despite the pushback, Senior Pastor James Pittman Jr. stands firm in his belief that the sign’s intent is clear. “The immigration we were talking about is very clear in the sign: Heaven and Hell. And our message is very clear, the scriptures are clear, not everybody makes it to Heaven,” he stated.
The legal battle surrounding immigration enforcement in religious spaces has intensified, with the coalition of churches and organizations asserting that these actions hinder their ability to serve vulnerable populations. Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe remarked, “We believe their struggles reveal the heart of God, and we cannot worship freely if some among us live in fear.”
The lawsuit claims that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s enforcement actions interfere with the religious mandate to welcome and serve immigrants, a sentiment echoed by Julia Ayala Harris, president of The Episcopal Church’s House of Deputies. “Welcoming the stranger is not a political act — it’s a sacred obligation,” she said, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe space for all.
In a recent interview, Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, reassured the Latino community that there is no need for fear regarding immigration policies. “Churches are a sacred space […] and there shouldn’t be any fear or angst from the immigrant community,” he affirmed.
As the debate continues, it raises fundamental questions about the intersection of faith, politics, and community values. While New Hope Community Church aims to provoke thought about spiritual immigration, the community’s response highlights the ongoing struggles surrounding acceptance and understanding in today’s world.
For more insights into the intersection of faith and immigration, visit The American Immigration Council or The Episcopal Church.