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Faith leaders across the United States engaged in a practice known as "ashes to go" during the start of the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday, March 5. The initiative aimed to bring church practices directly to communities.
In Illinois, Covenant United Church of Christ's pastoral staff offered ashes through car windows in their community. Meanwhile, pastors from First Church Sandwich UCC in Massachusetts set up near their town’s old town hall for similar purposes.
University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)/United Church of Christ in San Diego conducted a distinctive ritual at the San Ysidro Border Crossing, approximately 20 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. This act was intended as a gesture of solidarity with immigrants amidst recent executive actions that have generated fear and uncertainty.
Senior Minister Rev. Caleb Lines explained that the church aimed to deliver an inclusive message amid what he described as intolerance toward immigrants by the current administration. He stated, “Affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every human is a deeply sacred act."
The distribution occurred at one of the busiest land crossings in the Western Hemisphere between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., targeting those who might not be able to attend church or feel unwelcome due to rising Christian Nationalism.
Church leaders criticized recent policies for increasing border militarization and endangering vulnerable communities. They expressed support for immigrants facing deportation or other challenges under current policies.
Rev. Marshela Salgado, associate minister at University Christian Church, emphasized that welcoming strangers aligns with Biblical teachings, stating, “Jesus was an immigrant. Mary and Joseph were immigrants.”
The ashes distributed included glitter as a symbol of inner beauty and love amidst adversity. Rev. Diego Salazar-Galvis noted its significance: “The glitter helps us remember that there is a spark inside all of us.”
University Christian Church plans ongoing efforts on both sides of the San Diego-Tijuana border in coming months. Rev. Lines highlighted challenges faced by immigrants trying to follow legal processes: “It’s tough to get in line when there is no line for you to get into.”
This commitment reflects their faith-driven mission to support immigrants now and moving forward.
