A Statement from CSL’s Spiritual Leader
Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith on January 20, 2026

As people of faith rooted in Science of Mind, we cannot be silent
while fear, violence and policies that undermine human dignity persist.

At the heart of Science of Mind is the recognition that Divine Spirit is present as every human life and that true spiritual practice calls us to honor the dignity, safety and well-being of every living being. We affirm that every individual is an expression of Spirit, worthy of love, respect and justice. 

We are deeply troubled by the events unfolding in Minneapolis, where the unprovoked fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent sparked profound pain, fear and widespread protest. 

This situation — and the broader harsh patterns of law enforcement that have affected immigrant families and communities nationwide — strike at the heart of our shared humanity and raise urgent questions about how we protect life, uphold due process and honor the spiritual worth of all people. How would you want to be treated in this situation?

Perhaps you or your loved ones, community members, friends and family members are affected directly or indirectly by what has happened in Minnesota or elsewhere across the country. Perhaps you can only imagine the pain of what is happening to others. 

As people of faith rooted in Science of Mind, we cannot be silent while fear, violence and policies that undermine human dignity persist. We join our voices with interfaith leaders and diverse community groups calling not just for prayer and vigils but also for peaceful public action that furthers justice, compassion and human rights. We stand arm in arm with our immigrant family, knowing that immigration status is not a symbol of relative worth. 

Our teaching urges us to act. Ernest Holmes’ own words remind us that we each have a role to play in preserving democracy: “Democracy is a spiritual idea, and it must and will be preserved. … A duty is imposed upon all of us to take our part, each in their small way, toward the keeping and guarding of that freedom without which life could have no meaning to any of us” (excerpted from a transcript of “This Thing Called Life” radio broadcast, August 1950).

In this same radio address, Holmes reminded us to act, noting that prayer alone is not enough: “We should not only pray, we should act, each contributing the best they have to the common purpose, each willing to make any sacrifice necessary, not a sacrifice reluctantly made but as one who offers all that he has to give for two great purposes — one, in a certain sense, a selfish one, for we all desire self-preservation but the other in the greater sense that there can be no individual self-preservation without the preservation of all.”

Keeping these words of our founder on our hearts, we encourage the Centers for Spiritual Living communities to respond in ways that reflect our spiritual principles and values.

• Pray and hold conscious intention for peace, healing and protection for all who are suffering, especially immigrant families, community members and those advocating for humane reform.
• Wherever you live, consider participating in peaceful demonstrations and marches for justice, events like the “ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom” march and rally planned in downtown Minneapolis on January 23. Stand visibly and heartfully for human dignity, due process and compassionate policy. 
• Support ongoing peaceful gatherings and witness events happening across the country, such as weekly peaceful protests, bridge brigades and community witness actions that uphold the pursuit of justice through nonviolent protest.
• Offer practical support and solidarity, such as providing resources to immigrant defense networks, participating in “know your rights” trainings and offering compassionate accompaniment to neighbors who feel targeted or unsafe. 
• Engage in advocacy and civic action by contacting elected leaders, supporting legislation that protects human rights and due process, and aligning with interfaith coalitions supporting immigrants. 
• Give to local food banks providing resources to people who are too afraid to leave their homes.

​Science of Mind teaches that true spiritual change is expressed outwardly in actions that liberate, heal and uplift. In this moment, our prayer and intention must be joined with courageous, compassionate action that brings light into places of fear, not fear into places of light.

I affirm that we, as a spiritual movement, respond with clarity, courage and love, standing with those who feel vulnerable, marching for justice and proclaiming with heart and commitment that no one is “illegal” in the mind of God.

Peace and blessings,
Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith
CSL Spiritual Leader