ROCHESTER, MN – The Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention (MWBC) denounces the disruption of a peaceful worship service in St. Paul, Minnesota as a breach of Minnesota State Statute § 609.28. We ask for all levels of governmental officials to protect the religious freedom of all Minnesotans.
The Precipitating Disruption of Worship Space
On January 18, 2026, approximately 30 to 40 activists forcibly entered Cities Church in St. Paul during a time of worship. The group interrupted the service to demand the congregation denounce the federal government’s immigration enforcement, specifically targeting the role of Pastor David Easterwood as a field office director for ICE. Despite multiple requests from church leadership for the group to leave, the interference was so significant that services were forced to end prematurely. Video footage captured by the protesters themselves and others show them shouting insults and accusations at youth, children, and families. This is an unacceptable trauma.
A Call to Uphold the Law
We call upon Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota’s state, and local officials to ensure that the rule of law is applied consistently and that our houses of worship remain sacred—sanctuary spaces. The disruption of a religious gathering is an unacceptable violation of civil peace. We urge our leaders to stand firmly against any tactics that use the intimidation of a local congregation as a tool for political protest.
Legal Protections for Religious Gatherings
The MWBC reminds all citizens and officials that Minnesota law provides clear protection for religious gatherings. Under Minnesota Statute § 609.28 Interfering with religious observance, a person who, by threats or violence, prevents religious observance or physically obstructs access to a religious establishment is guilty of a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor. Furthermore, we acknowledge reports of a possible Department of Justice probe into potential FACE Act violations regarding this incident. The freedom to worship without fear of harassment is a foundational right that must be defended.
The Primacy of the Gospel
The MWBC represents a diverse body of believers with various perspectives on complex civic issues, including immigration. However, we are united in the conviction that the Gospel of Jesus Christ transcends political agendas. Recent events show clearly the truth of the Apostle Paul’s words, “For our battle is not against flesh and blood,” but against higher powers, or even lower powers. (Eph. 6:12; HCSB) These forces seek to divide and confuse any possible ways to find common ground and hear one another again. While we recognize the tensions surrounding federal enforcement, the local church is a place for spiritual transformation and biblical teaching, not a platform for political theater or coerced denouncements. Our primary mission is to hold up the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Word of God. This mission must not be hijacked by outside interests.
Conclusion
We pray for peace within our communities and for the safety of every pastor and parishioner. We encourage our churches to provide pastoral care to our immigrant communities with much grace. The MWBC convention will help equip those churches providing that care where they need help. We remain committed to the sanctity of public worship times and will continue to advocate for the right of all congregations to meet in peace.
About the MWBC
The Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention is a network of churches dedicated to reaching every person in Minnesota and Wisconsin with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention, we prioritize church planting, leadership development, and the cooperative mission of making disciples.
MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Trey Turner, Executive Director
Email: turner@mwbc.org
Phone: 507-282-3636