Anna Piela
@annapiela.bsky.social
Scholar of Islam, writer-pastor, author, mom. New book: Challenging Islamophobia in the Church: Liturgical Tools for Justice. www.annapiela.com #PalestineWillBeFree
I am tempted to say that those who attack #Muslims while wielding #Jesus aren't real #Christians. But that would be disingenuous: Christians have a long history of hostility toward Muslims. #Islamophobia #Christianity #Islam religionnews.com/2025/12/12/i...
Islamophobia is being normalized at the highest levels. Christians need to learn to fight it.
(RNS) — Learning about Islam can make one a better and more knowledgeable Christian.
religionnews.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:05 PM
I am tempted to say that those who attack #Muslims while wielding #Jesus aren't real #Christians. But that would be disingenuous: Christians have a long history of hostility toward Muslims. #Islamophobia #Christianity #Islam religionnews.com/2025/12/12/i...
Reposted by Anna Piela
Chicago area anti-ICE activism making international news again. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025... @lakestreetchurch.bsky.social @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
‘The holy family is in hiding’: nativity scenes at US churches push back on ICE
Displays include handcuffed baby Jesus and Mary wearing a gas mask in wake of Trump’s immigration crackdown
www.theguardian.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Chicago area anti-ICE activism making international news again. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025... @lakestreetchurch.bsky.social @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
Reposted by Anna Piela
"What do we do when we learn that our government is mistreating detainees right in our backyard?... For faith leaders with privilege like me, this means that we must take some risks for the sake of the gospel. Otherwise, we risk merely becoming a social club that coddles those in power."
"We can act on our strongest convictions that dehumanization anywhere is unacceptable because we are all bearers of the image of God."
Check out my latest article with @faithandleadership.bsky.social
faithandleadership.com/i-was-slamme...
Check out my latest article with @faithandleadership.bsky.social
faithandleadership.com/i-was-slamme...
I was slammed to the ground and arrested outside an ICE facility. It was a holy experience.
Internment sites are being operated across the country, writes a Chicago pastor. What we do with this knowledge tells us everything about the Christians we are.
faithandleadership.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:28 PM
"What do we do when we learn that our government is mistreating detainees right in our backyard?... For faith leaders with privilege like me, this means that we must take some risks for the sake of the gospel. Otherwise, we risk merely becoming a social club that coddles those in power."
Reposted by Anna Piela
Great to be interviewed by @savedbythecity.bsky.social about our nativity, my arrest at #Broadview, and my next book on Islamophobia. If you want to hear my theology of protest, and why we faith leaders have to give a damn and take risks, take a listen here: religionnews.com/2025/12/11/f...
From Pulpit to Protest: The Clergy Resisting ICE + Michael Woolf
Clergy are getting arrested protesting ICE. And they're putting baby Jesus in zip-ties to make a point.
religionnews.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Great to be interviewed by @savedbythecity.bsky.social about our nativity, my arrest at #Broadview, and my next book on Islamophobia. If you want to hear my theology of protest, and why we faith leaders have to give a damn and take risks, take a listen here: religionnews.com/2025/12/11/f...
Reposted by Anna Piela
Seems a little wild that DHS would call me out by name and say that this scene is offensive to Christians. I like seperation in my church and state. Moreover, what's offensive to Christians is the dehumanization that DHS and ICE are practicing. That is evil and an offense to God - not my nativity.
December 11, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Seems a little wild that DHS would call me out by name and say that this scene is offensive to Christians. I like seperation in my church and state. Moreover, what's offensive to Christians is the dehumanization that DHS and ICE are practicing. That is evil and an offense to God - not my nativity.
Reposted by Anna Piela
#DHS called my nativity "offensive to Christians," and I've got a lot to say about that. What's offensive to Christians is the vile way that they treat bearers of the image of God - that's everybody. We've got to stand up to this secret police force with all we have before it's too late.
December 11, 2025 at 7:38 PM
#DHS called my nativity "offensive to Christians," and I've got a lot to say about that. What's offensive to Christians is the vile way that they treat bearers of the image of God - that's everybody. We've got to stand up to this secret police force with all we have before it's too late.
Reposted by Anna Piela
"May this winter season bring with it the revelation of the manifold miracles that light up our lives amidst the shadows." Read Jonah Gelfand's latest article, "Finding light in the dark this Hanukkah." #Hanukkah www.christiancitizen.us/articles/fin...
Finding light in the dark this Hanukkah — Christian Citizen
May this winter season bring with it the revelation of the manifold miracles that light up our lives amidst the shadows.
www.christiancitizen.us
December 11, 2025 at 7:22 PM
"May this winter season bring with it the revelation of the manifold miracles that light up our lives amidst the shadows." Read Jonah Gelfand's latest article, "Finding light in the dark this Hanukkah." #Hanukkah www.christiancitizen.us/articles/fin...
Reposted by Anna Piela
It was so nice to be supported by the interfaith community at the vigil for all victims of ICE terror at our nativity tonight. We are stronger together. So many different religions agree this time of year - it's up to us whether we bring more light into the world. I hope you choose hope and light.
In Evanston tonight, outside Chicago—
In the bitter cold, neighbors are gathered outside Lake Street Church for a vigil for ICE victims.
This is where @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social preaches—the pastor arrested on camera by ISP at Broadview.
Baby Jesus in zip ties. Mother Mary in a respirator.
In the bitter cold, neighbors are gathered outside Lake Street Church for a vigil for ICE victims.
This is where @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social preaches—the pastor arrested on camera by ISP at Broadview.
Baby Jesus in zip ties. Mother Mary in a respirator.
December 11, 2025 at 2:54 AM
It was so nice to be supported by the interfaith community at the vigil for all victims of ICE terror at our nativity tonight. We are stronger together. So many different religions agree this time of year - it's up to us whether we bring more light into the world. I hope you choose hope and light.
We, Christians, don't have to let our past define our present and our future. #Islamophobia #Islam #Christianity #IlhanOmar #Somalis
Collective punishment is driving this country, but it doesn’t have to be that way. As Christians it’s up to us to articulate a theology of collective blessing instead - one that stands up for our #Muslim friends and neighbors against the #islamophobia in this country.
December 11, 2025 at 2:33 PM
We, Christians, don't have to let our past define our present and our future. #Islamophobia #Islam #Christianity #IlhanOmar #Somalis
Reposted by Anna Piela
"The Muslim community was there for us in November, and while I'm president, I'm going to be there for you" — Trump, at the White House Iftar, in May
"Ilhan Omar, whatever the hell her name is. With the little [makes a noise]. With her little turban." — Trump, today
"Ilhan Omar, whatever the hell her name is. With the little [makes a noise]. With her little turban." — Trump, today
Trump: "Ilhan Omar, whatever the hell her name is. With her little turban. I love her. She comes in, does nothing but bitch ... we ought to get her the hell out ... she's here illegally."
The crowd in Pennsylvania then starts chanting "send her back!"
The crowd in Pennsylvania then starts chanting "send her back!"
December 10, 2025 at 1:26 AM
"The Muslim community was there for us in November, and while I'm president, I'm going to be there for you" — Trump, at the White House Iftar, in May
"Ilhan Omar, whatever the hell her name is. With the little [makes a noise]. With her little turban." — Trump, today
"Ilhan Omar, whatever the hell her name is. With the little [makes a noise]. With her little turban." — Trump, today
Reposted by Anna Piela
OPINION: The Somali community in the U.S. bears little resemblance to the one painted by these slurs. Arriving as refugees fleeing war, Somalis have become one of the most civically engaged and socially productive Muslim communities in the country.
religionnews.com/2025/12/06/s...
religionnews.com/2025/12/06/s...
Somalis are not 'garbage.' They are a gift that all Americans should treasure.
(RNS) — Somalis have come, like generations of immigrants before them, to build dreams for those who will follow.
religionnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
OPINION: The Somali community in the U.S. bears little resemblance to the one painted by these slurs. Arriving as refugees fleeing war, Somalis have become one of the most civically engaged and socially productive Muslim communities in the country.
religionnews.com/2025/12/06/s...
religionnews.com/2025/12/06/s...
Grateful for this piece from my colleague from Minneapolis, Travis Norwell. We need more voices like that. www.ms.now/opinion/trum... #Islamophobia #Trump
Opinion | I'm a pastor in Minneapolis who sees God in my Somali neighbors
G. Travis Norvell: My Somali neighbors are beautiful
www.ms.now
December 8, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Grateful for this piece from my colleague from Minneapolis, Travis Norwell. We need more voices like that. www.ms.now/opinion/trum... #Islamophobia #Trump
Reposted by Anna Piela
🔴 Top Israeli Ministers Proudly Adorn a Global Symbol of Racial Terror
Israeli Nat'l Security Min. Itamar Ben-Gvir & allies were photographed wearing gold noose pins in public to signal support for executing Palestinian detainees. Also visible in the image is Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu...
Israeli Nat'l Security Min. Itamar Ben-Gvir & allies were photographed wearing gold noose pins in public to signal support for executing Palestinian detainees. Also visible in the image is Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu...
December 8, 2025 at 6:24 PM
🔴 Top Israeli Ministers Proudly Adorn a Global Symbol of Racial Terror
Israeli Nat'l Security Min. Itamar Ben-Gvir & allies were photographed wearing gold noose pins in public to signal support for executing Palestinian detainees. Also visible in the image is Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu...
Israeli Nat'l Security Min. Itamar Ben-Gvir & allies were photographed wearing gold noose pins in public to signal support for executing Palestinian detainees. Also visible in the image is Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu...
Reposted by Anna Piela
Don't forget, you can preorder this book, or even invite us to speak about Islamophobia!
My wife @annapiela.bsky.social and I wrote a new book that comes out in January - Confronting Islamophobia in the Church. Invite us to your church, book group, or podcast, please! If you could help us spread the word and even preorder the book, we'd be grateful. www.judsonpress.com/Products/J32...
December 6, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Don't forget, you can preorder this book, or even invite us to speak about Islamophobia!
Reposted by Anna Piela
My wife @annapiela.bsky.social and I wrote a new book that comes out in January - Confronting Islamophobia in the Church. Invite us to your church, book group, or podcast, please! If you could help us spread the word and even preorder the book, we'd be grateful. www.judsonpress.com/Products/J32...
December 8, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Reposted by Anna Piela
The clergy at the Broadview protests like @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social have been shaking my faithlessness...
“For me at least, I have experienced seeing the face of Christ in the people who are suffering,” Associate Minister Jillian Westerfield said, pointing to arrests, detainments and altercations in Evanston and Chicago. “We just really saw a parallel between the ICE forces and the centurions.”
Evanston church’s Nativity scene depicted baby Jesus zip-tied by ICE agents
Lake Street Church of Evanston depicted baby Jesus’ hands zip-tied, Mary with a gas mask and ICE as centurions in its Nativity scene.
trib.al
December 8, 2025 at 3:32 AM
The clergy at the Broadview protests like @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social have been shaking my faithlessness...
Reposted by Anna Piela
Check out my article on @april-cc-commons.bsky.social "Religious institutions have incredible power in this country, but the question is how will they use it? Will they cozy up to those in power? Or will they strive to hold the state accountable?"
www.aprilonline.org/christian-ac...
www.aprilonline.org/christian-ac...
Christian Actions and Icons in an Age of ICE
Michael Woolf argues that right now we need people of faith willing to take risks and be bold for the sake of others. If we wait, it will be too late. Religious institutions have incredible power in t...
www.aprilonline.org
December 7, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Check out my article on @april-cc-commons.bsky.social "Religious institutions have incredible power in this country, but the question is how will they use it? Will they cozy up to those in power? Or will they strive to hold the state accountable?"
www.aprilonline.org/christian-ac...
www.aprilonline.org/christian-ac...
@theispu.bsky.social — @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social talks about the #Islamophobia Index in the AMP2025 and what that means for Christians (from 10:45): bsky.app/profile/revd... #Islam #Christianity #interfaith
Want to hear me talk about my arrest, and the moral emergency that we are in? Also, Islamophobia and why Christians out to care about it (and my new book about exactly that)? Check out this interview 👇👇👇👇
omny.fm/shows/joan-e...
omny.fm/shows/joan-e...
WCPT 820 Interview: Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf, Th.D. - Joan Esposito Live, Local & Progressive
Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf, Th.D., pastor-activist-theologian, who is senior minister at Lake Street Church of Evanston and was arrested during a November 14 protest near the U.S. Immigration and Customs ...
omny.fm
December 5, 2025 at 9:17 PM
@theispu.bsky.social — @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social talks about the #Islamophobia Index in the AMP2025 and what that means for Christians (from 10:45): bsky.app/profile/revd... #Islam #Christianity #interfaith
Reposted by Anna Piela
Sean Hannity is a coward who sent a legion of right-wing trolls to our church, but we're not afraid of him or anyone else. If you're in Chicagoland, meet us for a prayer service next week at the nativity where we can name our grief, lament, and strengthen our resolve to fight ICE and fascism.
December 4, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Sean Hannity is a coward who sent a legion of right-wing trolls to our church, but we're not afraid of him or anyone else. If you're in Chicagoland, meet us for a prayer service next week at the nativity where we can name our grief, lament, and strengthen our resolve to fight ICE and fascism.
Reposted by Anna Piela
Disappointing: "The [AHA] Council received two resolutions for consideration at the 2026 annual business meeting: the 'Resolution in Solidarity with Gaza' and the 'Resolution Opposing Attacks on Core Principles of Education.' but "the Council will not place the proposed resolutions on the agenda."
December 5, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Disappointing: "The [AHA] Council received two resolutions for consideration at the 2026 annual business meeting: the 'Resolution in Solidarity with Gaza' and the 'Resolution Opposing Attacks on Core Principles of Education.' but "the Council will not place the proposed resolutions on the agenda."
According2the #American #Muslim Poll 2025 (@theispu.bsky.social), #Christians are the driver of a sharp rise in Islamophobia in the last 3 years.The highest increases were among white evangelicals (15 points),Catholics (12 points),and Protestants (7 points). #Islamophobia is a Christian problem.
December 2, 2025 at 10:35 PM
According2the #American #Muslim Poll 2025 (@theispu.bsky.social), #Christians are the driver of a sharp rise in Islamophobia in the last 3 years.The highest increases were among white evangelicals (15 points),Catholics (12 points),and Protestants (7 points). #Islamophobia is a Christian problem.
Reposted by Anna Piela
My church! If Jesus were born into our world right now, this is how it would look. It's a good reminder that God is always emerging into our present context, and you know what they would do to Jesus if he showed up right now because ICE is showing you every day.
Savage! 🎄 Lake Street Church of Evanston creates a nativity scene with gas masks to remind us that Jesus was a refugee.
"This installation is not subtle. The crisis it addresses is not abstract. We ask viewers to confront the disconnect between professed religious or moral values & immigration."
"This installation is not subtle. The crisis it addresses is not abstract. We ask viewers to confront the disconnect between professed religious or moral values & immigration."
December 1, 2025 at 9:14 PM
My church! If Jesus were born into our world right now, this is how it would look. It's a good reminder that God is always emerging into our present context, and you know what they would do to Jesus if he showed up right now because ICE is showing you every day.
Reposted by Anna Piela
My wife @annapiela.bsky.social and I wrote a new book that comes out in January - Confronting Islamophobia in the Church. Invite us to your church, book group, or podcast, please! If you could help us spread the word and even preorder the book, we'd be grateful. www.judsonpress.com/Products/J32...
December 1, 2025 at 5:55 PM
My wife @annapiela.bsky.social and I wrote a new book that comes out in January - Confronting Islamophobia in the Church. Invite us to your church, book group, or podcast, please! If you could help us spread the word and even preorder the book, we'd be grateful. www.judsonpress.com/Products/J32...
Reposted by Anna Piela
“The key to fighting evil—in our world or the Upside Down—is to do so in community. Alone, resistance is impossible; together, we can fight the toughest battles.”
Anyone else feel like this season of #StrangerThings hits different? An out of control military abducting/targeting kids? Hard not to see it as a modern day parable. Check out my article about it at @sojo.net sojo.net/articles/cul...
Amid Immigration Cruelty, ‘Stranger Things’ Feels Like a Modern-Day Parable
As a pastor in Chicago, watching federal agents sow mistrust and harm children no longer seems like a sci-fi nostalgia trip.
sojo.net
December 1, 2025 at 2:24 PM
“The key to fighting evil—in our world or the Upside Down—is to do so in community. Alone, resistance is impossible; together, we can fight the toughest battles.”
Reposted by Anna Piela
Federal agents used chemical weapons on Chicagoans at least 49 times — even after a judge said to stop.
Contrary to federal claims about attacks on agents, most of these incidents appear to involve nonviolent protesters or bystanders. blockclubchi.co/47PoaXb
Contrary to federal claims about attacks on agents, most of these incidents appear to involve nonviolent protesters or bystanders. blockclubchi.co/47PoaXb
November 19, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Federal agents used chemical weapons on Chicagoans at least 49 times — even after a judge said to stop.
Contrary to federal claims about attacks on agents, most of these incidents appear to involve nonviolent protesters or bystanders. blockclubchi.co/47PoaXb
Contrary to federal claims about attacks on agents, most of these incidents appear to involve nonviolent protesters or bystanders. blockclubchi.co/47PoaXb