*A Statement from CSL’s Spiritual LeaderRev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith on January 20, 2026*
*As people of faith rooted in Science of Mind, we cannot be silentwhile fear, violence and policies that undermine human dignity persist.*
At the heart of Science of Mind is the recognition that Divine Spirit is present as every human life and that true spiritual practice calls us to honor the dignity, safety and well-being of every living being. We affirm that every individual is an expression of Spirit, worthy of love, respect and justice.
We are deeply troubled by the events unfolding in Minneapolis, where the unprovoked fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent sparked profound pain, fear and widespread protest.
This situation — and the broader harsh patterns of law enforcement that have affected immigrant families and communities nationwide — strike at the heart of our shared humanity and raise urgent questions about how we protect life, uphold due process and honor the spiritual worth of *all people*. How would you want to be treated in this situation?
Perhaps you or your loved ones, community members, friends and family members are affected directly or indirectly by what has happened in Minnesota or elsewhere across the country. Perhaps you can only imagine the pain of what is happening to others.
As people of faith rooted in Science of Mind, we cannot be silent while fear, violence and policies that undermine human dignity persist. We join our voices with interfaith leaders and diverse community groups calling not just for prayer and vigils but also for peaceful public action that furthers justice, compassion and human rights. We stand arm in arm with our immigrant family, knowing that immigration status is not a symbol of relative worth.
Our teaching urges us to act. Ernest Holmes’ own words remind us that we each have a role to play in preserving democracy: “Democracy is a spiritual idea, and it must and will be preserved. … A duty is imposed upon all of us to take our part, each in their small way, toward the keeping and guarding of that freedom without which life could have no meaning to any of us” (excerpted from a transcript of “This Thing Called Life” radio broadcast, August 1950).
*As people of faith rooted in Science of Mind, we cannot be silentwhile fear, violence and policies that undermine human dignity persist.*
At the heart of Science of Mind is the recognition that Divine Spirit is present as every human life and that true spiritual practice calls us to honor the dignity, safety and well-being of every living being. We affirm that every individual is an expression of Spirit, worthy of love, respect and justice.
We are deeply troubled by the events unfolding in Minneapolis, where the unprovoked fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent sparked profound pain, fear and widespread protest.
This situation — and the broader harsh patterns of law enforcement that have affected immigrant families and communities nationwide — strike at the heart of our shared humanity and raise urgent questions about how we protect life, uphold due process and honor the spiritual worth of *all people*. How would you want to be treated in this situation?
Perhaps you or your loved ones, community members, friends and family members are affected directly or indirectly by what has happened in Minnesota or elsewhere across the country. Perhaps you can only imagine the pain of what is happening to others.
As people of faith rooted in Science of Mind, we cannot be silent while fear, violence and policies that undermine human dignity persist. We join our voices with interfaith leaders and diverse community groups calling not just for prayer and vigils but also for peaceful public action that furthers justice, compassion and human rights. We stand arm in arm with our immigrant family, knowing that immigration status is not a symbol of relative worth.
Our teaching urges us to act. Ernest Holmes’ own words remind us that we each have a role to play in preserving democracy: “Democracy is a spiritual idea, and it must and will be preserved. … A duty is imposed upon all of us to take our part, each in their small way, toward the keeping and guarding of that freedom without which life could have no meaning to any of us” (excerpted from a transcript of “This Thing Called Life” radio broadcast, August 1950).