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Nov 13, 2025

✝️ Standing on the Side of Love: What the Rev. Jorge Bautista’s Witness Means for Us at Holy Covenant

✝️ Standing on the Side of Love

What the Rev. Jorge Bautista’s Witness Means for Us at Holy Covenant

A diverse group of colorful human silhouettes forming the shape of a heart and a flowing ribbon.

On November 11, the United Church of Christ released a deeply sobering news story about the Rev. Jorge Bautista, a UCC pastor in California who was struck in the face by a pepper round fired by a federal immigration officer while he was standing in peaceful prayer and solidarity with migrants.

Because this story is copyrighted by the National Setting of the UCC, we encourage all readers to view the original reporting directly at UCC News:

While we cannot republish the article or its photographs, we can reflect on what Rev. Bautista’s courage reveals about our call as followers of Jesus — and as a community committed to justice, welcome, and radical love.

Why This Matters to Holy Covenant

  • Because clergy across the country are being harmed for standing with vulnerable communities. This affects the wider Church — including us.
  • Because the Gospel compels us to stand on the side of justice, non-violence, and the full dignity of every person — especially migrants, refugees, and those targeted by systemic oppression.
  • Because Holy Covenant is an Open and Affirming congregation committed to liberation, compassion, and concrete acts of solidarity.
  • Because our own calling doesn’t stop at our sanctuary doors. We are part of a wider body — the United Church of Christ — whose pastors, laypeople, and partners are literally placing their bodies between harm and the vulnerable.
  • Because this is what the world needs from the Church right now: public courage, embodied love, and a refusal to turn away from suffering.

“When one part of the Body suffers, all suffer together with it.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:26

Rev. Bautista chose to show up in peace. He chose to stand publicly for the safety and humanity of migrants — many of whom are members of UCC congregations across the country. His witness exposes the alarming rise of militarized responses to peaceful prayer, protest, and pastoral presence.

And yet, even in harm, his testimony remains anchored in hope — hope in community, hope in justice, and hope in the power of faith that refuses to look away.

How Holy Covenant Can Respond

  • Pray for Rev. Bautista, for migrants facing cruelty, and for all clergy and activists working for justice.
  • Learn about UCC immigration justice efforts, including the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity.
  • Speak up when you hear dehumanizing language about immigrants or refugees.
  • Show up — at vigils, educational events, service opportunities, and solidarity actions.
  • Remember the UCC’s charge: to stand on the side of love, especially when love requires courage.

This moment calls us to be spiritually awake and morally engaged. As Rev. Bautista has shown, faith is not merely belief — it is presence. It is solidarity. It is love with skin on.

May we continue to be a church that shows up, speaks out, and embodies the justice and compassion of Christ in a world aching for both.

#HCUCCEverywhere • #StandOnTheSideOfLove • #ImmigrantJustice • #FaithInAction • #UCC • #ProgressiveClergy • #BeTheChurch

Rev. Bautista Interview
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