Tomorrow, over 100 Lutheran leaders will meet with congressional
offices in Washington, D.C. to urge their members of Congress to protect and
welcome vulnerable refugees and migrant children fleeing the endemic violence
and persecution in their communities.
As Lutherans, we heed the Bible when it tells us to love our
neighbors as ourselves, whether our neighbor lives in our community or across
the world. Our faith has compelled us to help resettled refugees since 1939, more
than 40 years before the U.S. government created the refugee resettlement
program. Today, we continue to do ministry with the most vulnerable, whether
they arrived through our refugee program or came to our southern border to seek
safety. We know that migrants and refugees strengthen our congregations, our
communities, and our nation.
As Congress considers funding for programs that affect
vulnerable people, we must join our voices in urging them to protect the most
vulnerable among us by continuing to fund the refugee resettlement program,
protect Central American children and their families who seek safety in the
U.S., and invest in faithful solutions that address the root causes of
migration.
“You shall also love the stranger, for you were
strangers” – Deuteronomy 10:19, NRSV
Your actions have and will continue to make a difference. Please
urge your members of Congress to support and promote compassionate programs
that care for vulnerable refugees and migrants – especially children and
families. As people of faith, let our voices ring out in a unified call for the
compassionate treatment of all newcomers.
Please go to our Action Center to send a message, or follow
the instructions below to call!
In peace,
Alaide Vilchis Ibarra
Assistant Director for Migration Policy & Advocacy
ELCA Advocacy
SUGGESTED ACTION
One of the most effective and expedient ways to make a
difference is by calling your Senators and member of Congress. You can easily
do so by dialing the number to the U.S Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121. A
switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate or House office
you request. If you do not know the name of your Senators and/or
Representatives, you can visit the official Senate and House
websites by clicking the links provided.
SUGGESTED PHONE MESSAGE
- As a Lutheran and as a constituent, I am deeply
concerned for the safety of our vulnerable neighbors who seek protection in the
U.S. through our refugee resettlement process or by requesting asylum once they
have arrived at our borders.
- Today, I am adding my voice to my fellow
Lutherans who are knocking on congressional doors this week.
- I am calling to ask the Senator/Representative to
support the refugee resettlement program, protect our asylum system,
and invest in programs that address the root causes of migration.
- As we witness record numbers of people being
displaced from their communities, I urge the Senator/Representative to honor
America’s legacy and our biblical calling of welcoming those fleeing
persecution and oppression.
- I urge the Senator/Representative to support robust
funding for the Refugee Resettlement and other poverty-focused programs.
- Please stand against legislation that seeks
to “deter” people from seeking protection in the United States through inhumane
detention or family separation.
- THANK YOU!
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