fbpx
Skip to Content

As Border Patrol Gasses Migrants, Over 3,700 People of Faith Pledge Solidarity with Asylum Seekers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 26, 2018

MEDIA CONTACT

Michelle Nealy, mnealy@faithinpubliclife.org, (202)735-7123

Mackenzie Harris, mharris@faithinpubliclife.org, (610)283-8879

Jennifer Amuzie, jamuzie@interfaithimmigration.org, (202)867-4567

As Border Patrol Gasses Migrants, Over 3,700 People of Faith Pledge Solidarity with Asylum Seekers

Washington, D.C. — On Sunday, a group of asylum seekers were tear gassed by American Customs and Border Protection agents at a border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico. This attack comes in the wake of President Trump restricting access for people fleeing violence to seek asylum in the United States. In response, a coalition of faith organizations released a pledge, signed by over 3700 faith leaders, promising to be good neighbors to those seeking refuge in our community, and to build a community where all are welcome.

You can read the pledge and signatories here.

Rev. Jennifer Butler, CEO, Faith in Public Life:

“To deny people and families seeking asylum a fair hearing is sinful. To attack them with tear gas is monstrous. The God I serve teaches me to welcome the newcomer and defend the vulnerable. As a pastor, I call on the Trump administration to immediately cease its brutal attacks on migrants, and to grant safe harbor and a fair hearing to all asylum seekers who present themselves at the border.”

Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

“As a church, we cannot remain silent as our asylum laws are unilaterally changed and our nation’s door is shut to people fleeing dire humanitarian situations. From our companion churches in Central America, our church knows many people leave to escape grinding poverty, violence or persecution and to seek a better life for their children.”

Scott Wright, Director, Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach:

“The administration’s decision to restrict access to asylum ignores both sacred and legal obligations. The Columbans consider it a blessing to accompany and support migrants arriving at the southern border. We believe our federal policy should reflect the same welcome and respect faith communities along the border are showing every day.”

Patrick Carolan, Executive Director, Franciscan Action Network:

“Franciscans witness to a genuine love and respect for the poor and vulnerable. Guided by this deeply held value, we believe every human person has dignity and the right to seek refuge when threatened with danger. Having seen first-hand the suffering and fear the Honduran people endure  daily, we feel it is our moral duty to welcome and protect the asylum seekers in the migrant caravan who simply seek a safe place to live and raise their kids. To turn them away at our border would be inhumane.”

###

The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of more than 50 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.

Back to top