July 27, 2015
Faith Leaders Celebrate Court Decision on Family Detention; Call for Administration to Comply
Contact: Shaina Aber
202-629-5918
saber@jesuits.org
WASHINGTON – Late on Friday, July 24, 2015, U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee ruled that the Obama Administration’s practice of detaining immigrant families violates the 1997 settlement in Flores v. Meese and all families, excluding those who pose a flight or national security risk, must be released as soon as possible.
The Flores settlement set guidelines for the detention of unaccompanied migrant children: if they are detained, they should be held in the least restrictive environment possible, cared for by licensed professionals. Judge Gee ruled that the settlement also applies to children detained with their mothers. She has given the federal government until August 3, 2015 to respond, or she will implement measures to enforce her ruling. Over the past two months the federal government and the plaintiffs have failed repeatedly to reach an agreement.
In response to the influx of almost 70,000 Central American families seeking asylum last year, the federal government began to detain mothers and children en masse in three dedicated facilities – Karnes City, Texas; Dilley, Texas; and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Since June 2014, 6,300 mothers and children have been booked into a family detention center. Currently, 1,700 mothers and children are being detained, even after Department of Homeland Security began their release of some mothers and children who have demonstrated a credible fear of returning to their country. According to the Women’s Refugee Commission, 88% of recently detained mothers have passed screenings for credible fear of return to their countries of origin.
The challenge to family detention came from counsel on behalf of several detained mothers. DHS responded with disappointment in the ruling, maintaining the government’s need for detention as a means of responding to mass influxes of immigrants at the border, such as the surge last summer.
Advocates, including dozens of faith groups, rejoice in Judge Gee’s ruling and plea for the Obama administration and DHS to comply. They will continue to push for the decisive end to this inhumane and immoral practice.
Read faith leader statements below.
“I applaud the July 24, 2015, ruling by Federal Judge Dolly Gee, joining the chorus denouncing family detention, reaffirming that migrant children must be released to foster care or relatives and placed in the least restrictive environment possible. Her ruling echoes the prophet Isaiah’s call to seek to “correct oppression” (Is. 1:17) and enables our nation to better “speak out in defense of the poor” (Prov. 31:8-9).
Family detention exacerbates the trauma families have already experienced, profits prison companies, isolates legitimate asylum seekers from services, and constrains hope that liberty might ever be found. Judge Gee’s order instructs the administration to develop a plan to release the mothers and children “without unnecessary delay.” I strongly urge the administration not to appeal Judge Gee’s decision. It is not illegal to seek asylum, and mothers and children should not be treated like prisoners. Around the U.S., our members have stood with faith partners in ditches outside centers to pray, have signed letters, visited legislators and White House staff, provided education, and made calls to build momentum for mercy and to say resoundingly that family detention is immoral. Our prayer is that it will end.”
The Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the U.S. and Canada
“Church World Service applauds Judge Gee’s ruling. The criminalization and detention of families seeking asylum and refuge is a moral stain on our nation. Our country has a moral and legal obligation to respect asylum and protection laws. CWS will continue to advocate for the immediate release of families held in detention centers and the reduction in the overall use of detention”
The Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO of Church World Service
“We are heartened by the judge’s decision to end the policy of detaining immigrant women and children. A policy that blames women and children for fleeing violence, puts them in detention, and then expedites their deportation directly contradicts our values as people of faith and a nation of immigrants.”
Scott Wright, Director of the Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach
“We commend U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee for her wisdom and justice in the Flores ruling that is consistent with Catholic Social Justice Teaching and highlights this country’s commitment to life, our concern for the most vulnerable, and our steadfast allegiance to dignity for all. This decision enlivens the truth of Pope Francis’ statement, “No cell is so isolated as to exclude the Lord, none. He is there, … His paternal and maternal love reaches everywhere.” (Pope Francis, Vatican City, Audience for National Congress of Italian Prison Chaplains, 10/23/2013.) We commit our prayers and resources to oppose future appeals to this decision.”
Sr. Louise Gallahue, DC, Vistatrix of the Daughters of Charity of the Province of St. Louise
“Our faith compels us to seek a complete end to the failed policy of family detention. We urge the administration not to appeal Judge Gee’s ruling that detaining children violates U.S. law. The administration should cease allowing private prisons to profit off of jailing children. We must instead whole-heartedly turn towards community-based alternatives that both keep families together and answer to that of God in the women and children seeking refuge.”
Diane Randall, Executive Secretary for the Friends Committee on National Legislation
“Our Jewish values and history call us to protect life and to love the stranger. As American Jews, we must work to ensure that anyone who reaches our border is afforded safety and dealt with fairly. This ruling confirms that the U.S. government is not living up to its obligation of ensuring the proper care of children in its custody. The Jewish community has long supported policies that promote human rights and ensure the protection of children. We must continue to press our government to live up to these ideals.”
Rabbi Jennie Rosenn, Vice President for Community Engagement at HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society), the global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees.
“The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) welcomes the recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee which we trust will put an end to the detention of immigrant children and their mothers. We urge President Obama and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson to implement the court’s finding as rapidly as possible. We continue to be concerned about the failure of our present immigration system to treat all with the dignity and respect that is their God-given right.”
Executive Director, Sister Joan Marie Steadman, CSC
“We welcome the Judge’s ruling that no child belongs in a secure and unlicensed detention facility and strongly agree that parents should be released together with their children whenever possible. No child or family belongs in jail. Lutherans, and people of faith in communities all across America, stand ready to welcome and embrace our new neighbors as they are released from family detention facilities.”
Linda Hartke, CEO and President, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
“The National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd applauds Judge Gee’s ruling that condemns the incarceration of women and children. We hope the Obama administration will abide by her wise and compassionate decision and not appeal. These incarcerated women and children have suffered enough.”
Lawrence Couch, Director of the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
“We at NETWORK welcome the US District Court ruling that hopefully begins the end of family detention of undocumented immigrants. The Court recognizes the reality that we have been advocating as common sense: children and their mothers do not belong in prison-like settings. We are extremely grateful to Judge Dolly Gee for helping to ensure that children and their mothers will now await their asylum hearings in safe surroundings and not in custody. We urge the Administration to put families first by not appealing this decision. “
Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Director of NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
“So many in the faith community have been praying for something, such as Judge Gee’s ruling, to advance the movement to end family detention. Today, we rejoice and continue to pray that the government will not appeal this decision and that, soon, thousands of asylum-seeking mothers and children will be freed.”
The Reverend Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
“The Sisters of Mercy celebrate Judge Dolly Gee’s ruling on family detention. We ask the Obama administration to take immediate actions to end the shameful policy of incarcerating refugee women and children. President Obama’s decision to appeal the ruling or comply with Judge Gee’s findings will determine his legacy on immigration, as much as his fight for comprehensive immigration reform and deferred action.”
Sr. Patricia McDermott, President of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
“The court decision is a striking affirmation in defense of vulnerable Central American children and mothers and on behalf of the rights of asylum-seekers widely. We urge the Obama administration not to appeal the court’s ruling, but to embrace it, to abide by it — and to immediately release all mothers and children now being held, so they can await their asylum hearings in compliance, yet in the safety and freedom they’ve been denied.
It is time to close the door on this painful and shameful policy. Not jailing children and mothers is a legacy that befits the President.”
The Rev. William Schulz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
“United Methodist Women members have been actively engaged in efforts to end family detention: marching outside the detention center in Dilley, Texas; using social media; sending postcards to President Obama; and sharing and mobilizing at Mission u events across the country. United Methodist Women celebrates this legal victory and urges the administration not to appeal this ruling. Mothers and children should be released from detention immediately. Furthermore, release from detention should not entail separating mothers and children; demanding exorbitant bonds; forcing mothers to wear GPS monitoring devices; or expediting the deportation of mothers and children. We seek a policy that guarantees due process for all including appeals on deportation orders, and which ends all family detention without an undue burden on families that have suffered more than enough.”
Harriett Jane Olson, General Secretary and CEO, United Methodist Women
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May 31, 2018Friday, June 1, please join with faith and human rights partners around the country for a National Day of Action for Children to stop family…
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Festival Clergy Hit the Hill to Protect Children!
May 25, 2018Some 45 plus clergy participated in the Festival of Homiletics 2018, in Washington, D.C., on May 23. Organizers trained and organized the participation of conference…
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Disciples Respond to Anti-Immigrant Comments from President and White House Chief of Staff
May 23, 2018In recent days, deeply offensive rhetoric has again been issued against immigrant communities by President Trump and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. Disciples…
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Family Belongs Together
May 21, 2018RIM Director joins with faith partners in Baltimore to assist Honduran woman in avoiding detention. Marta Rodriguez walked out the front door of the Baltimore…
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Disciples GMP on a National Mother’s Day Press Call
May 9, 2018The Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, spoke on a…
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GMP Responds to Session’s Comments at Border
May 8, 2018“The comments by Attorney General Sessions at the border yesterday, which conflated the actions of Central American parents–who are openly presenting themselves to seek safety…
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Month of Ramadan
May 7, 2018Month of Ramadan resource provides ways that congregations can link with Muslim communities in their areas to engage in Interfaith Iftars. Click here for devotion,…
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Pentecost People Called to be Advocates
May 7, 2018This Pentecost resource connects the giving of the Advocate spirit with immigrant stories and our calling to serve as an advocate to support families at…
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This Mother’s Day, Honor Immigrant Mothers
May 7, 2018More immigrant Moms than ever are now in detention & separated from their families. As we gratefully celebrate all MOTHERS, this year we pay special…
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Background Handout Resource on TPS
May 1, 2018Temporary Protected Status: A Faithful Response to Humanitarian Crises What is TPS (Temporary Protected Status)? Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is a life-saving immigration program…
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Refugee Asks Update
May 1, 2018URGE CONGRESS: Ensure the U.S. Resettles at Least 45,000 Refugees in FY2018! Call your senators and representatives today! Host a #WhereRtheRefugees Public Witness Event Plan…
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More than 600 Interfaith Leaders and Organizations Fight Together for Honduran TPS Holders
April 30, 2018In a letter delivered to the administration on April 27, 2018, 122 faith-based organizations and 518 faith leaders from across traditions stand united in calling…
Read more >Stories from People Prohibited by Refugee Bans
April 26, 2018Read these stories of individuals and families from the various countries prohibited to enter the US under recent Muslim/Refugee Bans.
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Disciples Statement Against End of TPS for Nepalese
April 26, 2018“With timing that has painfully come the very day following the devastating earthquakes in Nepal three years ago, we stand as faith partners together with…
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Disciples Join Faith Partners in Refugee Foot Washing to Hold Administration Accountable for Record Low Refugee Arrivals
March 29, 2018Washington, D.C. – Faith leaders held a footwashing service in the shadow of the White House this afternoon.The biblical practice of footwashing is part of…
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Disciples of Christ Respond to Announced End of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians
March 28, 2018“I continue to be deeply disturbed by the random choices that this administration makes in removing TPS and other protected statuses. Last night’s decision to…
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Liberian “Deferred Enforced Departure” (DED) Resources
March 23, 2018The current designation of “Deferred Enforced Departure” (DED) that is currently protecting nearly 4,000 Liberians in the U.S. is set to expire on MARCH 31st…
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4 Urgent Ways to Support Refugees Now
March 20, 20181) REFUGEE ARRIVALS TO THE U.S. IN THIS FISCAL YEAR HAVE BEEN STAGGERINGLY LOW! Please help us circulate the below faith leader & faith-based organization…
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New RIM Resources
March 7, 2018Now Available! Disciples Black Immigrant and Refugee Toolkit! For a compilation of resources to help your congregation build awareness of and assist Black refugees and…
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Indianapolis Disciples of Christ Clergy Join with Other Faith Leaders in Vigil & Civil Disobedience in Support of Dreamers & Immigrant Families
March 6, 2018Today, seven Disciples affiliated clergy, Rev. Linda McCrae, Rev. Carolyn Higginbotham, Rev. Jim Higginbotham, Rev. Jon Barnes, Rev. Dawn Barnes, Rev. Sandra Gourdet, and Rev….
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Disciples GMP Urges a Solution for Dreamers Who Remain in Limbo
March 5, 2018On this day when the President proclaimed DACA protections would end unless a Congressional decision was reached, dreamers remain insecure in the absence of a…
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Ash Wednesday Service with Dreamers
February 14, 2018Faith Leaders Performed Ash Wednesday Service with Dreamers in Front of Senator McConnell’s and Schumer’s Office to Demand Passage of Dream Act Washington, D.C. (February…
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RIM Lenten Resources
February 12, 2018Nine Immigration Themed Resources for Lent Encouraging Faith Commitments in Solidarity with Refugees & Immigrants. Go to 2018 Lenten Devotions.
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Disciples & Interfaith Toolkit: Top 5 Ways to Take Action NOW in 2018
January 17, 2018On Jan. 8, 2018, DHS terminated TPS for El Salvador, effective Sept. 9, 2019. As communities of faith, we urge the administration to reinstate TPS…
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Week of Action – Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, 2018
January 17, 2018One Year of Muslim & Refugee Bans: Showing Up Against Discrimination. toolkit and resources
Read more >Clergy, Impacted Immigrants, Faith & Labor Leaders Demand that DHS Extends TPS for 200K Salvadoran Immigrants
January 5, 2018Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea, was among the participants on a press call January 4, to urge the Department of Homeland Security to extend Temporary Protected Status…
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Thank You for 2017 & Join Us to Act for Refugees and Immigrants in 2018!
January 2, 2018Thank you for your partnership in acting to support refugees and immigrants in 2017–and join us in ongoing actions for justice in 2018!! Sign up…
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Epiphany Devotions for Jan. 4-6
January 2, 2018Join in a 3-part Epiphany devotional series and actions in support of Temporary Protected Status populations for Jan. 4-6.
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Advent Devotions
December 4, 2017“Welcome to the Manger” is the theme for the 2017 Advent Devotions. Available for download on the Refugee & Immigration website. Week one: Angels Week…
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Who Grows Food for our Feasts?
November 15, 2017These resources provide education and links that help families and congregations build awareness of our dependence upon the gifts and energies of farmworkers; especially as…
Read more >Dreamers Welcome At the Table
November 13, 2017As we prepare soon to gather around tables again and again during the holiday season, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries invites your congregation and members…
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Haitian TPS Alert
November 10, 2017Dear Disciples Friend, Right now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering whether or not to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in…
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Christian Leaders Arrested for Peaceful Capitol Hill Protest in Support of Dream Act
November 3, 2017Disciples are among Christian leaders and activists who held hands and sang in an unlawful demonstration inside of the Russell Senate office building in Washington,…
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Praying with Dreamers Week #Faith4Dream Oct. 29 – Nov. 4
October 23, 2017Prepare now to plan Dream Sabbath Events! Check out these resources for ways you can participate.
Read more >Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea Among DC-Area Clergy to Hold White House Rally to Save TPS
October 17, 2017WASHINGTON, DC — Today, October 17th at 11 a.m., local interfaith clergy will host a rally to call on the Trump administration to preserve Temporary…
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Reflections from Conference on Migration, Borders & Reception
October 10, 2017The Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea traveled to Italy to participate in “Living and Witnessing the Border.” An International Conference on Migration, Borders and Reception, September 29…
Read more >Join October 2nd Immigration & Refugee Webinar and participate in Dream Sabbath
September 29, 2017Join the Interfaith Immigration Coalition for this webinar to learn how communities of faith can participate in “Dream Sabbath” events that lift up the stories,…
Read more >RIM Wrap: Sept. 28 Refugee Program
September 28, 2017Please Help Stop the Dismantling of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and Share Your Heart to Welcome Refugees A Refugee Admissions Goal of 45,000 Is…
Read more >Sept. 27 CWS Press Release on Refugee Resettlement Program
September 28, 2017CONGRESSWOMAN SCHAKOWSKY, FAITH LEADERS, AND REFUGEES URGE CONGRESS TO STOP TRUMP FROM SHUTTING THE DOOR ON REFUGEES On morning of the Trump administration’s consultation with…
Read more >Sharon Stanley-Rea on DACA Decision
September 6, 2017Hear from Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea in an interview with Sojourners on September 5, decision about DACA.
Read more >General Minister and President offers thoughts about DACA
September 6, 2017On Tuesday, Sept. 5, the U.S. administration announced an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that has protected children brought to…
Read more >Urgent: DACA & TPS Recipients at Great Risk: Ways Disciples Can Help!
August 29, 2017Please sign the faith letter & call your leaders today & tomorrow to urge DACA not to be ended, join our DACA & TPS Emergency…
Read more >“Immigrant Welcoming” Resolution Passes at General Assembly
July 21, 2017On Monday, July 10th, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries’ Director joined with Immigration Legal Counsel, the National Benevolent Association, the Central Pastoral Office office of…
Read more >Webinars on July 10th & 13th
July 6, 2017Join the webinar on July 10th and 13th to help immigrants and learn about sanctuary. July 10 Interfaith Immigration Coalition Webinar “5 Ways We Can…
Read more >General Assembly Alerts
July 6, 2017Go here for Summer Recess Toolkit and Alerts for Refugees, Immigrants, Farmworkers, and TPS Recipients. Summer Action Grassroots Toolkit Disciples: Call to Support Refugees Now!…
Read more >Families Rally in Front of White House to Protest Trump Administration’s Aggressive Tactics to Deport Loved Ones to Cambodia
June 28, 2017RIM’s Director (a board member with Southeast Asian Resource Action Center) was grateful to join this a.m. in speaking at Press Conference outside the White…
Read more >Faith Leaders Stand Against Scotus Ruling on Refugee and Muslim Ban Executive Order
June 27, 2017FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2017 CONTACT: media@cwsglobal.org | 202.733.5151 FAITH LEADERS STAND AGAINST SCOTUS RULING ON REFUGEE AND MUSLIM BAN EXECUTIVE ORDER Call on…
Read more >Disciples Statement in Response to Supreme Court Ruling re: Refugee and Muslim Bans
June 27, 2017Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Rev. Dr. Ronald Degges, President, Disciples Home Missions “Disciples are a…
Read more >From Student Visa to Green Card
June 14, 2017From Student Visa to Green Card is now scheduled for Monday, July 10 at 5:00 p.m.— Calling all seminary students! Please join Disciples Immigration Legal…
Read more >CWS Statement on 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling Against President Trump’s Rewritten Refugee Ban
June 12, 2017“The courts have spoken yet again in favor of justice and humanity. As CWS has maintained since January, President Trump’s ill-advised travel ban should never…
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4th Circuit Federal Appeals Court Upholds Block on Trump’s Travel Ban
May 25, 2017The Disciples RIM Staff celebrates the 4th Circuit Appeals Court ruling in Richmond, Va. on May 25 that upheld a lower court ruling which had…
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#ToImmigrantsWithLove
May 25, 2017Join the new #ToImmigrantsWithLove letter writing campaign, sponsored by Define American and I Am An Immigrant. Through it, you can write an electronic letter that…
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New! Refugees Welcome Summer Legislator Postcard!!
May 25, 2017Please deliver to, scan and email, or mail your national, state, and local legislators these postcards that indicate your support for refugees, and share how…
Read more >More Than 400 Faith Leaders & Organizations Nationwide Urge Support for Haitians at Risk for Deportation
May 2, 2017Call on DHS Secretary Kelly to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haiti for another 18 months WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 2, 2017) — CWS and Catholic…
Read more >Stop DHS From Deporting Somalis
April 26, 2017The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently apprehended, detained and deported Somali individuals back to their home country. These Somalis are asylum seekers, asylees,…
Read more >Disciples and United Church of Christ Holy Season Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees
April 18, 2017In the beginning of Holy Week, marking the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, his suffering and his death, we watch with sadness and grief the…
Read more >Disciples Rally 4 Family Justice
April 17, 2017Join us in unity at the start of General Assembly in Indianapolis on Saturday, July 8, 2017, from 3 to 5 p.m., for a Disciples…
Read more >Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees
April 17, 2017Disciples and United Church of Christ Holy Season Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees In the beginning of Holy Week, marking the…
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