About 120 people gathered at First United Methodist Church in Franklin Park/Movement in the City on Sept. 19 to mourn the death of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez. Gonzalez was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during a traffic stop on Sept. 12, just a few blocks from the church.

"Silverio's life will not be forgotten," said Rev. Roberto Moreno, in a sermon preached in Spanish and English. 

"The system tells you that you are no good. But grace tells you that you are ready to go do the work" of advocating for those oppressed by the powerful.

To the many supportive United Methodist clergy and lay in the pews, he admonished, "Use your privilege to stand firm for those who cannot stand. Get out of your comfort zone. Grace is not passive."

Ultimately, he said, "the last word is life and justice in all nations."

Bishop Dan Schwerin of the Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Area told mourners that United Methodists stand in solidarity with those who are suffering.

"We claim our solidarity in the one God," he said. "God calls us to action every day of our lives."

After the music-filled service and an opportunity for others to speak, the group left the church in a candlelit walk to Emerson Street and Grand Avenue, where Villegas Gonzalez had been killed. A shrine with flowers and candles, and a sign reading "Silverio was a dad, too!" marked the location.

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Rev. Roberto Moreno	Mourners at the site of Villegas Gonzalez's death.
Silverio was a family man.	Bishop Schwerin and Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer
Passing the flame.	A plea for compassion.

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