In Alabama, half a dozen religious officials sent a letter this week to Gov. Robert Bentley saying that in the Christmas spirit, he ought to consider a repeal of the laws that state’s Legislature passed this year to get itself involved in immigration matters.

The bishops of Alabama have joined with local Episcopal Church and Methodist officials in taking legal action against immigration legislation scheduled to come into effect on September 1.

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin, Senator Michael Bennet and more than a dozen religious leaders today announced a DREAM Act Sabbath - an initiative enlisting churches, synagogues, and mosques around the country to dedicate time during their regular worship service to a conversation about the DREAM Act.

For some, opposing Alabama's toughest-in-the-nation law against illegal immigration is a chance for Bible Belt redemption.