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Georgia Clergy Urge Lawmakers to Support Humane Immigration Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2017

CONTACT:  

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

Graham Younger, gyounger@faithinpubliclife.org, (678)739-8584

Georgia Clergy Urge Lawmakers to Support Humane Immigration Reform

To mark the one-year anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, interfaith clergy call on Congress to build bridges not walls

ATLANTA, Ga. — On Saturday, February 18th, a prominent group of interfaith clergy and community leaders gathered at the Latin American Association to pressure Congress to overturn President Trump’s executive orders on immigration and to protect immigrant and refugee families. The group sent a powerful message to lawmakers in Georgia and throughout the nation.

Christopher C. Marquardt, Board Chair-elect, Latin American Association:

“On issues of immigration, the early signals from our new Administration have been discouraging. We can do better. When we move beyond stereotypes and rhetoric, we see more clearly that attacks on immigrants in this country are attacks on the civic values that Americans hold dear. If we believe in the justice, power, and goodness of the God we serve, we also believe that we are blessed in order to bless others.”

Claudia Aguilar Rubalcava, Associate Pastor, Virginia-Highlands Church:

“The foundation of the Christian faith is the story of a migrant boy from the Middle East that had to cross rivers and walk through deserts in order to survive. The personal stories of many of us are similar to that of Jesus and his family, who had to flee from violence. Persecution and rejection are not the end of the story. The story, our story, ends with good over evil.” 

Rev. William Flippin, Emmanuel Lutheran Church:

“We are here today in solidarity with and those who make up the diverse creation of the human family. We are here in the community where so many raids have taken place to dehumanize our brothers and sisters. It is good for us to come together in unity. Faith is a bridge not a barrier.”

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