During the past few months, the “open sharing” portion of the Camas Friends Church’s weekly gatherings has included a lot of discussion about current events — in particular, the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
Pastor Matt Boswell knew that some of the church members had been participating in anti-ICE rallies in Vancouver and Portland. While out for a run on Jan. 29, he experienced an epiphany that he should organize a local protest following a tradition of activism within the Quaker faith, a centuries-old Christian denomination.
Less than one week later, about 50 church and community members stood on the sidewalk in front of the church on Third Avenue in Camas, holding signs and waving to drivers…