The Daily Astorian quotes Episcopal Cafe contributing editor Ann Fontaine in a story on Cannon Beach, Oregon’s passing of an inclusivity resolution earlier this week:
The resolution, which “embraces, celebrates and welcomes its immigrant and refugee residents and their contributions,” is not the same as becoming a sanctuary city. Cannon Beach joined the North Coast trend after Astoria and Warrenton passed similar resolutions earlier this year.
Fontaine voiced her thanks to the council:
“I’m an Episcopalian reverend, and our church has been very proactive about accepting immigrants,” she said. “When it comes down to it, it’s about family. Immigrants are a part of our church family.”
Fontaine has been a religious leader on the North Coast for more than 20 years, and said the issue to her is about the core tenet of treating everyone with respect and dignity. She said she was pleased that Schermerhorn was so receptive to the idea, and thinks it is significant that this message come directly from law enforcement.
“I hope this sends a message out to the immigrant community that we care,” Fontaine said. “It’s symbolic, but symbols can speak loudly with an issue like this.”