POD Strangely Warmed Ep 134: “CLEAR: Clergy Responding in Faith”
Across the country and here in North Texas, conversations around immigration, enforcement and public policy are often loud and divided. But what does it look like when people of faith step into these moments not with anger, but with prayer, presence and compassion? On this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins and Rev. Kristin Warthen sit down with Rev. Eric Folkerth and Pastor Rocio Bamihe to talk about their involvement with CLEAR, the Clergy League for Emergency Action and Response. CLEAR is an interfaith coalition of clergy in the Dallas–Fort Worth area who respond to urgent issues where faith, justice and community life intersect. Within that broader coalition are clergy from many religious traditions, including several United Methodist pastors. In this episode, Eric and Rocio share about their experience participating in that work and offering a Christian witness rooted in prayer, compassion and accompaniment. They describe weekly prayer vigils and pastoral presence outside the Dallas ICE field office, where clergy gather to pray, offer quiet support to families navigating immigration appointments, and seek compassion and wisdom for everyone involved. The conversation also reflects on a recent gathering in Washington, DC, where United Methodist leaders across the connection joined together in worship, prayer and public witness around immigration and faith.