Although Federal officials have announced a drawdown of immigration officers in Minnesota, ending the recent large-scale immigration crackdown, the physical and emotional toll inflicted on communities are sure to linger long afterwards.
To aid in healing, United Church Funds has granted $10,000 from the Richard and Helen Brown Endowment to the Minnesota Conference for respite and support for its ministers. Minnesota clergy have been working long hours, navigating heightened stress and prolonged uncertainty, both on front lines bearing witness and standing with detainees and protestors, offering pastoral care.
Describing the situation on the ground, Minnesota Conference Minister Tanya Sadagopan said, “UCC clergy and leaders in our state are providing pastoral care, accompaniment and public witness across Minnesota. The cumulative demands of this work have left many leaders experiencing first- and second-hand trauma. There is a clear and immediate need for clergy respite-related support, both to sustain pastoral leaders in the short term, provide spiritual renewal in a safe place and to prevent longer-term burnout.”
Rev. Dr. Sadagopan added, “We deeply appreciate the Brown Endowment grant made available for leaders and clergy across our conference. My goal is to ensure that clergy can truly step away and receive the care they need.”
UCF President and CEO Charles Buck said that “Clergy across Minnesota are carrying extraordinary pastoral responsibilities for their communities. This grant reflects our commitment to supporting those who care for others — ensuring they have the opportunity for rest and renewal. I am sure the endowment’s namesake, if alive today and with roots in Minnesota, would have been very pleased to see their gift used in this way.”
Richard and Helen Brown, whose bequest created the Brown Endowment, were long-time members of their local church in Hopkins, Minnesota, and were also active on conference and national boards. Since 1995, the endowment has supported seminarians and clergy in the UCC and, in global partner churches through educational scholarships and professional development grants. The purpose of the Brown Endowment is to support church leaders throughout their journey—from theological education to continuing education, and even in moments such as these in Minnesota, providing needed respite and care.
Learn more about Brown Endowment programs HERE. Members in Discernment interested in the 2026-27 academic year scholarships can apply HERE (deadline is March 2, 2026). Click HERE to hear the story from a past scholarship awardee.