Join us as we stand with our U.S. partner, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), and take action to support and protect Syrian refugees who are forced to flee violence in their communities. Please take a moment to read an urgent message from Brittney Nystrom, LIRS Director for Advocacy, and learn how you can make a difference today.

For more information on LIRS efforts to support Syrian refugees, visit lirs.org/Syria. 

In light of the tragic attacks in Paris, we must stand together with vulnerable Syrian refugees who seek safety and a future. Reacting out of fear, Governors of over 25 states along with Members of Congress, have proposed extreme measures that would exclude all Syrian refugees from the protection of the United States resettlement system. This is not an acceptable response to this tragedy.

Our faith calls us to stand for welcome, even in the wake of fear. "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else." 1 Thessalonians 5:15 As people of faith, we cannot turn our backs on our Syrian brothers and sisters as they flee the same violence from which we seek to protect ourselves.

The United States refugee resettlement program has a sophisticated and multi-layered approach to vetting any prospective refugee prior to entering our country. Indeed, refugees are the most highly screened population that enters the United States. The current screening process often takes years to complete and includes face-to-face interviews, database checks, and biometrics by the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Department of Defense and multiple intelligence agencies.

LIRS asks that you contact your Governor and Members of Congress TODAY and urge them to protect Syrian refugees. Your tireless commitment to protecting the world's most vulnerable does make an impact. Please consider forwarding this alert to your friends to amplify your voice!

There are two ways that you can take action:

• Call on your Governor to accept Syrian refugees in your state. Sadly, the number of Governors stating they will ban Syrian resettlement continues to grow.

• Call the offices or write to your Members of Congress and let them know that you stand for welcome for Syrian refugees. Urge them to oppose any Congressional action that would limit vulnerable Syrian refugees' access to protection.

While the United States must balance the integrity of our resettlement system with our desire to provide protection to vulnerable refugees, we must not bow to fear. As Christians, as Americans, and as global citizens we must stand for welcome. We will keep you informed as Congressional action continues to center on Syrian refugees. I remain grateful for your commitment to vulnerable populations, especially as so many are responding with fear rather than welcome and protection.

In peace,

Brittney Nystrom
Director for Advocacy