Church Groups Sue U.S. Over Sanctuary Issue

PHOENIX —  Two major religious denominations and four Arizona churches sued the U.S. government today to protest its infiltration of Sanctuary Movement churches in its investigation of alien smuggling.

The plaintiffs, including the Presbyterian and Lutheran churches, said the government violated their constitutional rights by sending paid informants to worship services, Bible study groups and mission planning meetings.

Named in the suit were the United States of America, the Department of Justice and the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Also listed were several people involved in the investigation and prosecution of 11 religious leaders and lay workers on trial in Tucson on charges that they plotted to smuggle Central American refugees into the United States.

For Religious Freedom

“This action is being taken to preserve and defend the guarantees of religious freedom,” said the Rev. James E. Andrews, clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). “The relationship between church and state has been threatened. All American religious groups have a stake in this matter.”

The other plaintiffs are the American Lutheran Church, Alzona Lutheran Church of Phoenix, Camelback Presbyterian Church of Scottsdale, Sunrise Presbyterian Church of Scottsdale and Southside Presbyterian Church of Tucson.

The pastor of Southside Presbyterian, the Rev. John Fife, is one of the defendants in the Sanctuary trial.

“We’re not saying there should never be investigations, but there must be probable cause,” Peter D. Baird, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said. “The government lacked any basis to believe there would be criminal activity.”