Concord, New Hampshire A New Hampshire Episcopal bishop is drawing national attention after urging clergy members to prepare for what he described as a potential “new era of martyrdom,” citing rising tensions tied to immigration enforcement and the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
Bishop Rob Hirschfeld of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire made the remarks earlier this month during a vigil honoring Good, who was killed on Jan. 7 while sitting in her vehicle during an immigration enforcement operation. Federal officials have said the ICE officer fired in self-defense, a claim disputed by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and other officials who have reviewed video of the incident.
Hirschfeld told clergy in his diocese to finalize their wills and personal affairs, saying Christian leaders may soon be called to physically place themselves between government power and vulnerable communities. He referenced historical examples of religious sacrifice, including Jonathan Daniels, a seminary student killed in 1965 while protecting a civil rights activist in Alabama.
The bishop emphasized that he was not calling for violence, but for moral courage rooted in faith. “If we truly want to live without fear, we cannot fear even death itself,” Hirschfeld said.
Other Episcopal leaders echoed similar themes. Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe urged continued resistance and advocacy for immigrants and refugees, while Minnesota Bishop Craig Loya called for confronting hatred with love and compassion rather than retaliation.
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