About the Congregation Action Network
CAN Mission
CAN mobilizes people of faith and faith communities throughout the DC metro area to advocate and organize for immigration rights. Our goal is to ensure immigrants have access to housing, healthcare, education, food, and legal protections. We work closely with experienced immigration groups and listen to immigrants from our faith communities to create a safe, welcoming place for everyone, no matter where they're from.
History
In early 2017, when the Trump Administration announced the Muslim ban and began broadening deportations beyond the already inhumane practices of the Obama administration, two organizations brought a vision for faith-based immigration advocacy to life: Faith in Action and Sanctuary DMV founded the DMV Sanctuary Congregation Network to put the power of faith to work for immigration justice. Renamed the Congregation Action Network (CAN) in 2019, CAN was a program of LA RED, Faith in Action's immigrant justice initiative, until May 2022. That month, CAN incorporated as an independent advocacy organization. CAN is now officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with The Festival Center in Washington, DC acting as CAN's fiscal sponsor.
"This is the way we live into our values and convictions. We are engaging in faithful resistance to unjust laws and inhumane practices."
- Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Sr. Minister, Cedar Lane UU Church
Goals
Through CAN's commitment to justice for immigrants and the support of our network, we have made significant strides toward our goals.
-
Building the political power of immigrants and refugees in MD, VA, and DC.
-
Advancing policies rooted in the belief that everyone has the same rights, no matter where they were born.
-
Developing an interfaith effort to ensure all are welcomed with dignity and love.
-
Addressing the trauma that often gets in the way of successful organizing.