NH bishop warns clergy of ‘new era of martyrdom’ after Renee Nicole Good killed by ICE officer

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE: Bishop Rob Hirschfeld’s speech at a vigil honoring Renee Nicole Good went viral across social media platforms. 

In widely shared videos, the Episcopal bishop called on his clergy to prepare for “martyrdom” as they work to safeguard vulnerable individuals from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The remarks came amid rising tensions following the killing of Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on January 7.

Bishop warns clergy of rising risks amid ICE tensions

During his January 9 speech, which is now being widely shared online, Bishop Rob Hirschfeld spoke about religious leaders throughout history who risked their lives to protect people facing harsh authority.

He cited seminary student Jonathan Daniels as an example, noting that Daniels was fatally shot by an Alabama sheriff’s deputy in 1965 while protecting a Black civil rights activist.

Hirschfeld said, “I have told the clergy of the Episcopal diocese of New Hampshire that we may be entering into that same witness. And I’ve asked them to get their affairs in order, to make sure they have their wills written, because it may be that now is no longer the time for statements, but for us with our bodies, to stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable.”

He also criticized “those who call themselves Christians” who are aligned with the Trump administration and “who tell us the way the world works is by force,” saying their views conflict with his understanding of Christian values.

The bishop added that people of Christian faith should not fear death, while making clear that he did not call for violence in response to ICE raids.

He emphasized, “Those of us who are ready to build a new world, we also have to be prepared. If we truly want to live without fear, we cannot fear even death itself, my friends.” He also said of Good, “I believe God is raising Renee Good to glory right now.”

White House responds to NH bishop’s speech

The White House responded Monday to remarks by a New Hampshire Episcopal bishop who urged his clergy to finalize their wills and get their affairs in order in preparation for a “new era of martyrdom” during a vigil for ICE shooting victim Renee Good.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in an email to NBC News regarding Hirschfeld’s speech, “No one should follow advice encouraging them to commit crimes. Anyone who interferes with federal law enforcement operations is committing a crime and will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

In response, the bishop said, "In no way have I, or will I, advocate, support, or encourage, criminal behavior, especially acts of violence." He added in an email to NBC News, "We are speaking about peaceful, non-violent resistance against those who without warrant or justification threaten physical injury, or even death." He continued, "Non-violence and love, as Jesus himself practiced and lived, should be the way for us to settle all differences in a free society."

Bishop Hirschfeld clarifies martyrdom remarks

Religion News Service national reporter Jack Jenkins spoke with Bishop Rob Hirschfeld about his January 9 speech at a vigil for Renee Good. Jenkins said, “The crowd at the assembly was hardly sprawling, but Hirschfeld’s remarks were filmed, clipped and shared widely on social media.”

He added, “Amplified by algorithms and word of mouth, his message was heralded by critics of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts, as well as by faith leaders who have been protesting Department of Homeland Security agents, sometimes being injured or arrested while doing so, for nearly a year.”

Hirschfeld later told Jenkins, “I’m not telling clergy, ‘Go find a rifle to stand in front of,’” and added, “I’m not saying, ‘Go look for a way to martyr yourself.’ All I’m saying is, when we put on those garments of our Christian faith, they are not always welcomed in this society. Those virtues and those postures in this world can be met with rage and even violence.”