Over 3,000 People of Faith Pledge Solidarity with Asylum Seekers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 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
Over 3,000 People of Faith Pledge Solidarity with Asylum Seekers
Beleaguered Migrant Caravan Faces Violence in Tijuana While President Trump Vows to Reject People Seeking Asylum
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump released an executive order which would dramatically weaken U.S. protections and 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 3,000 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 of Faith in Public Life:
“President Trump’s new executive order is a violation of national and international law. More importantly, it is a violation of many faith traditions, which instruct us to welcome the stranger and defend the vulnerable. To deny children and families seeking safety a fair chance for security is sin. As a nation we have a moral responsibility to protect those in fear of their life. As a pastor, I encourage all people of faith to stand in solidarity with families fleeing for safety.”
Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA:
“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 of 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.”
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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.