Arizona is now ground zero in the national fight over illegal immigration. The state's controversial new law has church leaders struggling with what to say to their congregations.

The measure, signed by Gov. Jan Brewer, R-Ariz. on Friday, allows police to demand papers from anyone they suspect may be in Arizona illegally. It is considered the toughest immigration law in the country.

Click play for an update on reaction to the immigration law with CBN News reporter Dale Hurd, followed by comments from Colby May of the American Center for Law & Justice.

To read the full text of Arizona's new immigration bill click here.

The law has sparked widespread protests from critics who say it will lead to legal immigrants being harassed.

Cardinal Roger Mahoney of Los Angeles said the new law amounts to "Nazism." And churches in Arizona's Interfaith Network are working together to help immigrant families who have nowhere to turn.

"We have, over the last week, been pastoring families," said Bishop Minerva Carcano of United Methodist Church. "People, young people, men and women who are calling us because they're afraid."

"It is challenging. Basically all views are going to be represented inside any congregation, so there's going to be diversity of opinion everywhere," said Pastor John Flowers of First United Methodist Church.

Activists are calling on President Barack Obama to fight the legislation.

"We're asking that his federal agencies, particularly Homeland Security, not cooperate with the implementation of this law," Rep. Raul Grijalva,D-Ariz., told protesters Sunday. "That's defeating this. That's the strategy."

But supporters of the law said there are 450,000 illegal immigrants in Arizona and the problem must be addressed.