Now, more than ever, we need to unite to affirm our rights
and protect one another.
In the face of fascism, despair is always an option. But it’s not the only one!
At The People’s Church, individuals and organizations from all religious perspectives can join together in the work of community-building, healing, mutual aid, justice, liberation, and international solidarity.
None of this would be possible without the First Spanish United Methodist Church (FSUMC), which is making its facility available to the broader community of healers, activists, and organizers in El Barrio / East Harlem and beyond.
Bravo and deepest thanks to the First Spanish United Methodist Church for its generosity!
Our DEEDS are our CREED.
“The People’s Church” was born in 1970, at the end of the Young Lords’ occupation of the First Spanish United Methodist Church. During those eleven days, the Young Lords provided a free breakfast to neighborhood children and held community gatherings that celebrated Puerto Rican history and culture. When the occupation was over, Pablo “Yoruba” Guzmán, a leader of the group, proclaimed, “This is the People’s Church now.”
The Young Lords’ sacred declaration defined The People’s Church not merely as a place; it was a place that was led by the people, met their needs, and instilled dignity, pride, and hope by freeing their minds and spirits.
The People’s Church is a grassroots, non-sectarian, self-led collective that honors the legacy of the Young Lords as we come together for community-building, healing, mutual aid, justice, liberation, and international solidarity.
If you want to do the work of healing, justice, and liberation, The People’s Church is for you, regardless of your creed or faith or spiritual tradition.
In our coming together, the spirit of Jesus and all of our other ancestors, martyrs, prophets and revolutionaries are present in our midst.
We also gratefully support the work of other organizations, especially the New Era Young Lords and Harlem Palestine Peacewalk for Justice and Liberation, because of the vital community work that they do. Please see the Events page for their upcoming programs!
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
We believe that every human being is a child of God. Immigrants and Trans people are especially vulnerable! Now more than ever, we have to love and protect one another. New York is on the list targeted for mass deportations, starting NOW.
Regardless of the changes at the federal level, the 4th Amendment still stands, meaning that ICE, like the police, is required to have a warrant in order to conduct a search or raid.
You have the right to remain silent.
You have the right to film any and all interactions with police.
You have the right to an attorney.
If the police or ICE stop you or your friend, ask “Am I / Are we under arrest?” “Is my friend under arrest?” “Am I/Are we/Are they free to go?” “Where are you taking them?”
