Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the Episcopal Migration Ministries director Reverend E. Mark Stevenson have responded to Donald Trump’s directives and proposed directives ordering the building of a wall along the U.S./Mexico border, blocking grants to sanctuary cities and establishing new restrictions on undocumented immigrants and potential immigrants.
From an Episcopal News Service story:
“The work of Episcopal Migration Ministries is God’s work, and we show the face of God through the care and compassion in that work,” Curry said. “I ask President Trump to continue the powerful work of our refugee resettlement program without interruption, recognizing the long wait and screening process that means refugees wait months and sometimes years to enter the country.
“We ask that we continue to accept as many refugees as we have in the past, recognizing the need is greater than ever. We ask that refugees from all countries receive consideration to come to the U.S. and not to ban those who come from countries most in need of our assistance.”
Stevenson:
“Isolating ourselves from the world does not make us safer; it only isolates us,” he said. “Being afraid of those who differ from us does not make us wise, or even prudent; it only traps us in an echo chamber of suspicion and anger, and stops us cold from loving as Christ loved.”
The United States cannot solve the problem of violence in other countries, Stevenson said, but “we can act morally and show leadership” by offering refugees a new life in a safe place. He pledged that EMM will “continue to minister to those who have fled their homes because of persecution, violence or war.”
A webinar planned already by EMM will take place on February 1 (we published that announcement on January 19). The ENS story can be read here.
A release from the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service issues a condemnation of Trump’s actions:
“At a time when so many people are fleeing unspeakable violence and persecution to seek refuge in the U.S., today’s decision is a drastic contradiction of what it means to be an American. As the world has its eyes on us, it is imperative that President Trump uphold the values that America has always lived by: compassion, empathy, family, human rights, and protection for those seeking a safe haven from danger and persecution,” said Linda Hartke, LIRS President and CEO.
“As Christians, we do not fear our new neighbors who have fled for their very lives – we embrace them. As people of faith, we are called to love and serve our neighbors – and as a result, our churches, our communities and our nation are stronger,” said Hartke.
We’ll update this post as we are aware of other similar statements.
Photos from Episcopal Migration Ministry