On Monday, they did something a little different, taking an oath of allegiance to the United States, similarly to what happens in the process of naturalization. This event offered the chance for people to learn more about the meaning of being an American and the important aspects to a strong society.

The event was coordinated by a partnership of groups including the New Neighbors Coalition, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Coalition, and the Sacred Ground Circle of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. St. Luke’s Rector Luke Fodor noted that the organizers wanted to find a way to help people have meaningful discourse and engagement surrounding immigration. That can be challenging due to the heavily polarized views on the subject, said Fodor, who said Monday’s event allowed for an opportunity to consider and discuss immigration in a consistent and faithful way that does not involve partisan politics.

The event kicked off with a brief introduction from Fodor, who introduced the themes and lessons from the movie and discussed the oath that the crowd would be taking later that night. Fodor noted that individuals who are born in the U.S. are automatically naturalized and never take a sworn oath. Fodor referenced the oath of allegiance taken by the more than 50 individuals who were naturalized in the Carl Cappa Theater at the Jackson Center on Oct. 9. Fodor stated that he wishes for people to have the opportunity to take a similar oath and state a commitment to being active and productive citizens.

The film American Creed is part of the curriculum of Sacred Ground, a resource used by the Episocopal church to help people understand their role in the worldFollowing the showing of the film, Fodor began the oath reading ceremony. The crowd was asked to raise their right hands and recite the oath alongside Fodor.

Fodor delivers remarks following the ending of the film American Creed.

“I pledge to be an active American, to show up for others, to govern myself, to help govern my community. I recommit myself to my country’s creed to cherish liberty as a responsibility. I pledge to serve and to push my country: when right, to be kept right; when wrong to be set right. Wherever my ancestors and I were born, I claim America and I pledge to live like a citizen,” said Fodor.

Fodor hopes the event inspires attendees to understand how many privileges they have been blessed to have. Fodor noted that many basic things in this country are taken for granted, such as roads and electricity. Fodor hopes those present at the event will commit to assisting to build the future and continue productive conversations prompted by the event.

Following the oath, guests had the opportunity to hear from some of the other voices who worked to plan the event. Momina Di Blasio of the New Neighbors Coalition, Cáitlín O’Reilly of the Sacred Grounds Circle, and Marion Beckerink of the I.D.E.A. coalition all spoke on the hope for more productive discussions surrounding immigration issues.

Guests of the American Creed event raising their right hands while reciting the oath.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Rector Luke Fodor reads the oath. P-J photos by Owen Reed