According to Religion News Service, Haitian immigrant congregants are leaving St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in response to growing uncertainty regarding their legal status in the United States. Attendance has dropped significantly as many families relocate or withdraw from public life while awaiting a pending Supreme Court ruling on the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals.
The congregation, which had experienced a period of growth due to an influx of Haitian members, now reports that many of its pews remain empty. Local clergy noted that the departure of these members follows heightened anxiety within the immigrant community regarding potential deportation measures and the possible termination of federal protections that have allowed them to live and work in the country legally for years.
The Rev. Tim Winsor, the rector at St. Elizabeth’s, stated that the loss of congregants has been the most difficult challenge of his ministry. He described the situation as a quiet exodus driven by profound apprehension about the legal environment. Church leadership observed that families began absenting themselves from services over the past several months as news reports of potential policy changes circulated through the community.
The legal status of thousands of Haitian immigrants remains tied to the upcoming Supreme Court decision, which will determine if the federal government may proceed with ending TPS designations. Advocacy groups and legal experts have monitored the case closely, noting that a ruling against the current protections would force many individuals to either return to Haiti or seek alternative, often more difficult, legal avenues to remain in the United States.
Church officials reported that they have attempted to provide pastoral support and resources to those affected by the shifting legal climate. Despite these efforts, the fear of immigration enforcement has outweighed the desire for continued communal participation. The church has shifted its focus to providing logistical information and maintaining contact with the few remaining families who have not yet relocated.
St. Elizabeth’s leadership is currently preparing for a lower level of participation in upcoming church programs and summer outreach initiatives. The parish council plans to meet next month to discuss the financial and operational impact of the reduced membership. No further statements from the church are expected until the Supreme Court releases its final decision on the status of TPS holders.
Source: https://religionnews.com/2026/06/22/the-biggest-blow-to-my-ministry-a-pastor-watches-as-fearful-haitian-immigrants-flee-church/