The IIC believes it is part of our faith to welcome
Washington, DC— Across the diverse faith traditions part of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, welcoming and loving our neighbors is central to our sacred texts and core teachings. Understanding that the policies that may be in store in the next administration–mass deportation, family separation, curtailing access to protection from persecution–may profoundly impact families and vulnerable people on the move and at the border, the Interfaith Immigration Coalition recommits to the critical work of accompaniment, solidarity and action alongside immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, DACA recipients, TPS beneficiaries and others impacted.
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition strives to work across differences to find common ground and pursue just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. Faith communities are resolute about living up to our values and remain steadfast about raising the moral voice with clarity, courage, and conviction.
“As we prepare to usher in a second Trump Administration, CWS stands firmly with our immigrant and refugee neighbors, and vulnerable families around the world–as well as people of faith and conscience across the nation who support them. We will never stop working to defend our nation’s tradition of compassion and welcome, and to protect the rights of the most vulnerable,” said Rick Santos, President and CEO of Church World Service. “We ask for our supporters, neighbors and friends to make their voices heard and to join us in calling for the new administration to maintain the programs and policies that support newcomers and to reject misinformation and fear-mongering about immigrant and refugee communities. Together we will work to safeguard protection for our immigrant and refugee neighbors, and defend pathways to safety and lifesaving aid for families who remain in danger.”
Rev. Michael Neuroth, Director of the United Church of Christ Office of Public Policy & Advocacy in DC, stated “During this time, we stand with our immigrant, asylum seeker, and undocumented neighbors. While our political landscape has undoubtedly shifted, our mandate to protect the human rights, dignity, and wellbeing of all remains the same. We will continue to oppose, through public policy advocacy and public witness, the deportation of immigrants, the closing of borders, and the walls that seek to divide us. And we commit to continuing to work with our faith partners to welcome those fleeing violence and to live out the hope of the gospel in the public square.”
Rev. Nathan Hosler, PhD, Director of the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy at the Church of the Brethren in Washington DC, stated: “In the wake of this election and the shifting political landscape on immigration, we continue to uphold human dignity, the right to seek asylum to promote the well-being of our immigrant and newcomer friends. Our Brethren tradition for centuries has compelled us to welcome those who have fled their homes due to violence and persecution. Therefore, our only moral response can be one of love and welcome. We deeply acknowledge that our country was built on the gifts and contributions of immigrants. However, in past years we have seen and will only see more dehumanizing rhetoric, harmful policies and actions carried out against our immigrant neighbors. But no action and no policy will stop us from standing in solidarity with those who most need our support and advocacy in times of increasing hardship. In strong solidarity with our brothers and sisters of different faith traditions, we will continue to call out the cruel and anti-immigrant actions to come such as mass deportations, further militarization of our borders and restrictions on asylum.”
Darcy Hirsh, Director of Government Relations at National Council of Jewish Women, stated: “Jewish tradition is clear that we are obligated to welcome the stranger, a mandate that appears no less than 36 times in the Torah. We remain steadfastly committed to this obligation. Our history as refugees from war, displacement, and religious persecution compels us to ensure our arms remain open to those fleeing persecution or violence, or seeking better lives in the United States. Immigrants and refugees are vital members of our communities and it is our responsibility as people of faith to push back against anti-immigrant hate and policies that tear families apart. We will continue to advocate for policies that protect the rights of immigrants and refugees and ensure that our country remains a beacon of hope for those seeking safety and protection.”
“The Jewish community will never stop fighting with our immigrant family to protect our fundamental human rights,” says Rabbi Jill Jacobs, CEO of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. “As Jews, we know that immigration policy can be a matter of life or death. The President-elect has made his policy agenda clear, and we will do all we can to ensure that immigrants within and beyond our Jewish community are protected in this new administration. Morality requires us to welcome those seeking asylum from danger, to respect our immigrant neighbors by providing meaningful pathways to citizenship, and to stand in continued solidarity with all people on the move. We will not stop fighting until every person is seen as a creation in the image of the Divine, and is given equal opportunity for safety and dignity in our country.”
“As Presbyterians, we believe in a God who promises, ‘I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19b).’ The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has a long history of welcoming immigrants in our congregations and ministering alongside newcomers, says Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, Director of Advocacy for the Presbyterian Church, (USA). Today we rededicate our call to be with immigrant, migrant, and refugee siblings as the wilderness and desert surround them. Today we recommit to solidarity as we live into hope and faith that God is making a way. We will sit with (and shout with) our immigrant siblings during this time seeking dignity, protection, and security.”
“Since FAN was founded in 2008, we have stood with immigrants and refugees seeking safety and a new life in this country, and regardless of the political shifts, we remain committed to this ministry,” says Sr. Marie Lucey, OSF, Associate Director of the Franciscan Action Network. “We firmly believe in the dignity of all people and their right to migrate. In the US election system, the administration changes, as well as Congressional representatives. However, our commitment to our migrant sisters and brothers does not change. Catholic Social Teaching and Franciscan values provide the moral compass that guide us.”
“Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area’s (LSSNCA) commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge and supporting them as they build new lives has been unwavering for more than 100 years,” said Kristyn Peck, CEO. “As we anticipate shifts in policy with the incoming administration, we ask the administration, Congress, and the nation to recognize and embrace the strength that diverse communities bring to our society and to pursue bipartisan policies that reflect our nation’s tradition of welcome. America’s role as a safe harbor for those escaping violence and persecution is woven into our history, from the earliest seekers of religious freedom. We are driven by our faith and values to protect the dignity, and answer the call, of all who seek safety.”
Kelly Ryan, President of Jesuit Refugee Services/USA stated that “How we respond to the tens of millions of people forced to flee their homes is a serious moral, legal, diplomatic, and economic question that impacts all of us. As an organization of people expressing our Catholic faith through our work, we believe that to welcome, accompany, serve, and advocate for displaced people is an obligation. As Pope Francis urged during his Apostolic Journey To Luxembourg And Belgium last September, ‘Let us not forget that having wealth includes responsibility” and “constant vigilance so that the most disadvantaged… may be helped to rise.’”
Pablo DeJesús, Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, stated: “This election has shifted our political and expected policy landscape. Many will be tempted to withdraw their support for immigrants, migrants, refugees, and asylees in its wake. Unitarian Universalists will not. We reaffirm our commitment to providing support and solidarity. We have already been called to welcome the stranger. For us, like so many of our friends in faith, it is a matter of commitment to our teachings and values. Our Unitarian Universalist values charge us to uphold interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity, and equity. Therefore, we reaffirm that immigrants and migrants deserve to be treated with dignity and welcome. They are already part of our families. They already contribute to our communities. They are us, and we are them. We value their contributions in building a stronger, more vibrant America.
Dylan Corbett, Executive Director of the Hope Border Institute in El Paso-Ciudad Juárez, said: “Threats, hate, and policy-inflicted pain won’t overcome who we really are: people who choose welcome, compassion, and opportunity for all. It is time to shut the door to incendiary rhetoric and cheap solutions and work for a fair immigration system that upholds everyone’s dignity. Even in the dark, the joy, creativity, and hospitality of the borderlands will shine a path for a new way forward.”
Joan Neal, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Equity Officer, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, said: “We and our members across the country remain committed to our mission to promote policies that affirm the dignity of all people with the knowledge that every person — regardless of ZIP code, race, creed, economic status, gender, or sexual orientation—has inherent dignity. We are deeply grateful to immigrants, immigrant families and advocates all around the country. Your work to spread Gospel values grounded in the creation of a future where every person thrives gives us inspiration to carry on. Our message is simple: You are not alone. This is a moment for unity, community, and perseverance. Together, always, we will continue to push for policies that honor dignity and freedom for all people – no exceptions.”
Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, stated: “Since the RAC’s founding during the civil rights era sixty years ago, we have guided the Reform Jewish Movement’s efforts to create a society of civil rights and freedom for all people. In this moment, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of all migrants. The Torah’s commandment to welcome the stranger and our own history of forced migration due to persecution, violence, and war drive our efforts. We hold these values as our guiding light as we approach the upcoming years, ready to stand with and work alongside immigrant communities.”
“As Christians, Lutherans believe that God’s will is for us to love God and our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31).,” said Giovana Oaxaca, Program Director for Migration Policy at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. “The ELCA’s social message on Government and Civic Engagement emphasizes the importance of respecting the dignity and human rights of our neighbors. It encourages us to consider, “How is the neighbor being served?” This includes immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers among us. Recognizing this, we have a clear moral calling to support and stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees among us, as they are our family members, friends, and fellow human beings. Together, we must recommit to advancing just, wise, and compassionate reforms, actively seeking opportunities to bridge our differences and find fair and just solutions.”
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of over 56 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. Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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