An Episcopal bishop is calling clergy to prepare for martyrdom while resisting federal immigration enforcement, signaling dangerous escalation against lawful government operations.
Story Highlights
- New Hampshire Bishop warns clergy to write wills and prepare for “new era of martyrdom”
- Remarks made at vigil for woman killed by ICE agent during enforcement operation
- Episcopal Church leadership endorses resistance to Trump administration immigration policies
- Bishop frames physical confrontation with federal agents as a Christian duty
Bishop’s Inflammatory Call to Resistance
Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld, Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire, delivered shocking remarks at a January 9, 2026, vigil in Concord, urging clergy to prepare for potential violence while resisting immigration enforcement.
Hirschfeld told clergy to “get their affairs in order” and ensure their wills are written, as they may need to “stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable” with their bodies. This dangerous rhetoric encourages confrontation with federal law enforcement officers performing their constitutional duties.
New Hampshire bishop warns clergy to prepare for ‘new era of martyrdom’ https://t.co/QoZ2gtwpNu pic.twitter.com/tKfjn9pbJw
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 18, 2026
The vigil honored Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Hirschfeld’s unscripted remarks quickly went viral, transforming what began as a memorial into a political call for resistance against the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. The bishop explicitly framed immigration enforcement as a state injustice requiring Christian martyrdom to oppose.
Institutional Church Support for Lawlessness
The Episcopal Church’s leadership has rallied behind Hirschfeld’s inflammatory message. Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe offered a prayer emphasizing resistance during an online vigil, while the Episcopal Diocese of Maine shared Hirschfeld’s remarks on Facebook, calling it a “powerful message.”
This institutional endorsement reveals how far left-wing religious leaders have strayed from supporting lawful government authority and constitutional order.
Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, Episcopal Bishop of Minnesota, echoed Hirschfeld’s sentiments, describing the situation as “incredibly painful” for churches serving immigrant populations.
These bishops are positioning their clergy as obstacles to federal agents executing lawful immigration enforcement, creating potential for dangerous confrontations that could endanger both clergy and law enforcement officers performing their sworn duties.
Dangerous Precedent Against Constitutional Authority
Hirschfeld’s call represents a troubling escalation against the authority of constitutional government. The bishop invoked historical martyrs like Oscar Romero and Jonathan Daniels, comparing the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement to oppressive regimes.
This inflammatory comparison undermines respect for lawful government operations and encourages clergy to view federal agents as enemies rather than public servants enforcing immigration law.
While Hirschfeld later clarified he isn’t telling clergy to “go find a rifle to stand in front of,” his rhetoric about preparing wills and standing with bodies clearly anticipates physical confrontation.
This irresponsible messaging could lead to tragic encounters between misguided clergy and federal agents simply doing their jobs to secure America’s borders and enforce immigration law as constitutionally required.
Sources:
Bishop’s remarks on new era of martyrdom – Broadview
Episcopal Church immigration protest coverage – NHPR
Bishop Rob’s reflection from vigil – NH Episcopal Diocese
Episcopal bishops resistance to ICE – Word and Way
