National Religious Leaders Speak Out Against House Anti-Immigrant Vote

WASHINGTON (January 14, 2015) — National faith leaders have mobilized together to oppose the anti-immigrant vote passing the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for 2015 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Special note: Religious leaders are available for media interviews.

Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO, Church World Service:

“This vote is a clear and present danger to our nation’s conscience and to victims of trafficking, unaccompanied children, DREAMers and undocumented parents of US citizens. In this new year, House Republican leaders had an opportunity to start fresh and place people over politics. Instead, their first moves were to scrap years of progress and victories for immigrant families. This is a moral outrage as millions threatened with deportation were just starting to breathe a sigh of relief. As this legislation moves to the Senate, we pray for all Senators – particularly Majority Leader Mitch McConnell – and urge them to stand firmly with America’s history as a beacon of hope, safe refuge and freedom.”

 Sister Simone Campbell, executive director, NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby:

“It is outrageous that the 114th Congress chooses to focus its first immigration vote on something as destructive to the basic spirit of our country as this legislation. Not only does it strip protections from immigrants helped by the president’s executive action, but it also targets “Dreamers,” immigrant children who have grown up in the U.S., along with refugee children from Central America. Seeking to harm children and contributing members of our communities is not an American value, and Congress should be ashamed.”

 The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church:

I give thanks for President Obama’s announcement that nearly five million undocumented immigrants will soon be eligible for relief from the threat of deportation. Too many families have lived for too long continually worried about parents being separated from children, wage-earners and caregivers from those who depend on them, and unable to participate fully in their communities and the nation’s economy.  Permanent and comprehensive reform of our broken immigration system through congressional action is still urgently needed, but the President’s action is a constructive step toward a system that honors the dignity and intrinsic value of every human being.

 Mark Hetfield, President & CEO, HIAS:

“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill is being hijacked by members of Congress who have been derelict in their duty to repair the nation’s broken immigration system. The President issued the Immigrant Accountability Executive Action only after waiting six years for Congress to present him with legislation to improve efficiency, humanity, and security in our country’s broken immigration system… Instead of fulfilling the shared American and Jewish value of treating the stranger as yourself, Congress’ only solution has been to push twelve million people living among us even deeper into the shadows. It is too bad the new Congress does not have a new approach to immigration—this country deserves a strong and secure system that treats all refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants with dignity.”

Rev. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

“As a believer bound through God’s covenant of love to one another and to seek justice for the vulnerable, I am disheartened by today’s amendment votes which threaten to remove humanitarian and anti-trafficking safeguards for children, asylees, and others seeking safety, family unity, and hope. As one committed to seek wholeness and Justice for the weak, I am concerned that DREAMers and victims of domestic violence could be put at risk of deportation through the amendments just approved. Our ministries continue to advocate for immigration reform legislation that is just, humane, and compassionate, and for protections that will help families in our faith community contribute as taxpayers and leaders without fear.”

 Nancy K. Kaufman, CEO, National Council of Jewish Women:

“The amendments to the appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security that would revoke protections against detention and deportation extended by President Obama strike a blow against progress toward permanent immigration reform, and endanger millions of hard-working immigrant families. Not only would the amendments reverse the deferred deportation of children brought to the US, they would also end the President’s ability to set enforcement priorities, resulting in random and arbitrary removal of individuals who have deep ties to the US or who have been the victims of domestic abuse… We urge the Senate to remove these provisions from the Homeland Security bill and instead return, with the House, to the difficult task of determining the fate of 11 million immigrants who need to become fully integrated into the American legal system.”

Sister Patricia McDermott, RSM, President, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas:

“I am deeply troubled that the House of Representatives continues to advance legislation designed to rip families apart, instead of voting on comprehensive immigration reform. The amendments that passed today call for deporting parents and DREAMers, thus perpetuating the suffering caused by our broken immigration system.”

Rabbi Steve Gutow, President, Jewish Council for Public Affairs:

“While this legislation passed in the House, it is unlikely to be approved by the Senate or signed by the President, therefore delaying the guarantee of needed funds for critical homeland security programs. Rather than continuing down this route, we urge Congress to come together to pass lasting immigration reform. We are an immigration nation and must be steadfast in our efforts to fix our broken immigration system. In the last Congress, the Senate approved a bipartisan immigration reform bill.  That bill should serve as a model for Congress today, both in substance and in how members of both political parties came together to address a pressing national issue. Jewish tradition teaches us to love the stranger, to welcome all into the fold and work towards building a better world together. We must remember these teachings and our history as the Jewish people, as wanderers in the land of Egypt and immigrants to the United States, as we secure a brighter future for all those who wish to call our nation home.”

Rev. Linda Jaramillo, Executive Minister, United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministry:

“The United Church of Christ is committed to supporting immigrant families in their quest for just immigration policies. Last year, we fully supported the executive action to provide relief from deportations for as many as five million undocumented people. We are deeply disappointed and troubled by the short-sighted and mean-spirited action of the House of Representatives which disregards the core values of our faith traditions to love our neighbor and welcome the stranger. The attempt to outlaw deferred action for parents and children sets a dangerous trend and we will stand strong in opposition to any attempts to rollback just administrative relief measures. Our journey toward justice will continue as we accompany our immigrant neighbors in their yearning to keep their families together.”

Ann Scholz, SSND, Associate Director for Social Mission, Leadership Conference of Women Religious:

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious is deeply disappointed that the U.S. House of Representatives has chosen to pass truly harmful amendments to H.R. 240, the Fiscal Year 2015 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.  The provisions in these amendments would have devastating effects on members of our communities including the DREAMers we teach and the immigrant families we serve.

Special note: Religious leaders are available for media interviews.

CONTACT: Sidney Traynham, straynham@cwsglobal.orgr


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“Welcome to the Manger” is the theme for the 2017 Advent Devotions. Available for download on the Refugee & Immigration website.  Week one: Angels Week…

Who Grows Food for our Feasts?

These resources provide education and links that help families and congregations build awareness of our dependence upon the gifts and energies of farmworkers; especially as…

Dreamers Welcome At the Table

As we prepare soon to gather around tables again and again during the holiday season, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries invites your congregation and members…

Haitian TPS Alert

Dear Disciples Friend, Right now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering whether or not to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in…

Christian Leaders Arrested for Peaceful Capitol Hill Protest in Support of Dream Act

Disciples are among Christian leaders and activists who held hands and sang in an unlawful demonstration inside of the Russell Senate office building in Washington,…

Praying with Dreamers Week #Faith4Dream Oct. 29 – Nov. 4

Prepare now to plan Dream Sabbath Events! Check out these resources for ways you can participate.

Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea Among DC-Area Clergy to Hold White House Rally to Save TPS ​​

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, October 17th at 11 a.m., local interfaith clergy will host a rally to call on the Trump administration to preserve Temporary…

Reflections from Conference on Migration, Borders & Reception

The 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…

Join October 2nd Immigration & Refugee Webinar and participate in Dream Sabbath

Join the Interfaith Immigration Coalition for this webinar to learn how communities of faith can participate in “Dream Sabbath” events that lift up the stories,…

RIM Wrap: Sept. 28 Refugee Program

Please 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…

Sept. 27 CWS Press Release on Refugee Resettlement Program

CONGRESSWOMAN 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…

Sharon Stanley-Rea on DACA Decision

Hear from Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea in an interview with Sojourners on September 5, decision about DACA.

General Minister and President offers thoughts about DACA

On 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…

Urgent: DACA & TPS Recipients at Great Risk: Ways Disciples Can Help!

Please sign the faith letter & call your leaders today & tomorrow to urge DACA not to be ended, join our DACA & TPS Emergency…

“Immigrant Welcoming” Resolution Passes at General Assembly

On Monday, July 10th, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries’ Director joined with Immigration Legal Counsel, the National Benevolent Association, the Central Pastoral Office office of…

Webinars on July 10th & 13th

Join the webinar on July 10th and 13th to help immigrants and learn about sanctuary. July 10 Interfaith Immigration Coalition Webinar “5 Ways We Can…

General Assembly Alerts

Go here for Summer Recess Toolkit and Alerts for Refugees, Immigrants, Farmworkers, and TPS Recipients. Summer Action Grassroots Toolkit Disciples: Call to Support Refugees Now!…

Families Rally in Front of White House to Protest Trump Administration’s Aggressive Tactics to Deport Loved Ones to Cambodia

RIM’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…

Faith Leaders Stand Against Scotus Ruling on Refugee and Muslim Ban Executive Order

FOR 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…

Disciples Statement in Response to Supreme Court Ruling re: Refugee and Muslim Bans

Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Rev. Dr. Ronald Degges, President, Disciples Home Missions “Disciples are a…

From Student Visa to Green Card

From 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…

CWS Statement on 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling Against President Trump’s Rewritten Refugee Ban ​

“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…

4th Circuit Federal Appeals Court Upholds Block on Trump’s Travel Ban

The Disciples RIM Staff celebrates the 4th Circuit Appeals Court ruling in Richmond, Va. on May 25 that upheld a lower court ruling which had…

#ToImmigrantsWithLove

Join the new #ToImmigrantsWithLove letter writing campaign, sponsored by Define American and I Am An Immigrant.  Through it, you can write an electronic letter that…

New! Refugees Welcome Summer Legislator Postcard!!

Please deliver to, scan and email, or mail your national, state, and local legislators these postcards that indicate your support for refugees, and share how…

More Than 400 Faith Leaders & Organizations Nationwide Urge Support for Haitians at Risk for Deportation

Call on DHS Secretary Kelly to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haiti for another 18 months WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 2, 2017) — CWS and Catholic…

Stop DHS From Deporting Somalis

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently apprehended, detained and deported Somali individuals back to their home country. These Somalis are asylum seekers, asylees,…

Disciples and United Church of Christ Holy Season Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees

In the beginning of Holy Week, marking the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, his suffering and his death, we watch with sadness and grief the…

Disciples Rally 4 Family Justice

Join 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…

Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees

Disciples and United Church of Christ Holy Season Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees In the beginning of Holy Week, marking the…