WASHINGTON – “We are gathered today in our nation’s capital, the seat of highest power, because for too long our leaders’ hearts have hardened. Our Congress has drafted spending bills that would devote billions of dollars more to detention and deportation, money that comes in part through the tax dollars of our immigrant siblings, and which would be used to deprive more children of their parents and erect more walls between us. But the travelers in the Exodus remind us that it is never too late for hearts to be changed. If they can keep alive that hope even in the face of gas and rubber bullets, we can do our part to give it voice today,” Rev. Mary Katherine Morn, President and CEO of the Unitarian Universalist Service committee, stated. As heightened tensions at the border coincide with Congress’ debate on funding for detention, deportation, border militarization and interior enforcement, faith leaders gathered to oppose expanded funding and share the groundswell of compassion and grief that faith communities felt witnessing the hostility asylum seekers faced at the southern border. “What is happening at the border is horrifying and contrary to the ideals of the American promise. While we’ve often fallen short of the promise our nation holds, tear gassing children and asylum seekers is a low that is sinful and just plain evil. Asylum seekers try to come here compelled by hope. Their hope in a better way of life has been criminalized, tear gassed and put in cages. It should not be this way! We strongly urge Congress to put an end to this. Stop expanding funding for a militarized border, more deportations and detentions.” Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland Tune, Executive Director of Ecumenical Advocacy Days, said. “The most repeated commandment in all of Torah is: ‘do not harm a stranger, a widow or an orphan; the stranger who sojourns with you shall be to you as the natives among you; You shall love them as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.’ Today we call on the U.S. government to respect the human right to migrate and seek asylum, and to treat those at our border with compassion, and not as criminals,” said Rabbi Esther Lederman, Director of Congregational Innovation at the Union for Reform Judaism and Board Member of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. “In this season of Advent it is imperative that our nation protects the dignity of migrant families and individuals seeking asylum. We remember that Christ came into the world and quickly became a refugee fleeing violence and finding refuge in Egypt. Now is the time to redirect deeply misguided funding for a wall and a militarized border to fund alternatives to detention and provide greater assistance to Central American countries.” said Adam Taylor, Executive Director of Sojourners. “Faith communities care about and stand up for immigrants and migrants because of the teaching that spans denominations and faith traditions: to love our neighbor as ourselves,” Rev. Amy Reumann, Director of the ELCA Advocacy Office, stated. “No one leaves home easily or without cause. No one says goodbye to family and friends without regret. No one embarks on a dangerous journey without fear. Conflict, violence, and extreme poverty push migrants from their homes and cause parents to risk everything for the sake of their children.” Carol Zinn, SSJ, Executive Director of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, said. “As Jews we believe that we are all b’tzelem Elohim, made in the image of G-d. Every person and family deserves safety and dignity, regardless of their immigration status.” Faith Williams, Senior Manager of Government Relations at the National Council of Jewish Women, said. Diane Randall, Executive Secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation, said, “Quakers believe that within every one of us there is the infinite power of Light and Love. Congress now has a choice to make: To build higher walls or to take them down. To once again separate children from their parents or to keep families together. To send in the military or send in those with food, clothing, and shelter. In short, to act out of fear, or act out of grace and humanity. The choice is crystal clear.” Rev. Scott Lipscomb, assistant rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Capitol Hill, reiterated the simplicity of that choice, saying “If we want to serve and love God, Scripture tells us we must love and serve those who flee their homes looking for safety and prosperity, looking for a new home. If we take the Bible seriously, it’s just that simple.” Following the press event on the steps of the Methodist Building, members of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition and local congregations went to offices of Senate and House leaders of both parties to deliver a letter signed by thirty-eight national faith-based organizations against additional enforcement funding and a letter of solidarity from over 800 faith leaders from across the U.S. “We are pledging to do our part, Congress, we need you to do yours. Be our partners in maintaining the protections for Asylum seekers in this country.” Rabbi Hannah Goldstein, of Temple Sinai Washington, DC said as she carried a list of 6,000 people of faith who have signed the pledge in solidarity with people seeking asylum. The group offered multi-faith prayers and sang, and urging leadership to “Be the Light!” as Congress nears decisions regarding funding for detention, deportation, border militarization and interior enforcement by the December 7th deadline. The livestream of the press event can be found here.]]>
Home » PRAYER AND ACTION: FAITH LEADERS SPEAK OUT AGAINST FUNDING FOR EXPANDED BORDER ENFORCEMENT, DETENTION, AND DEPORTATIONS