Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
A broad coalition of leaders from across all faith traditions, including The Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, yesterday released a statement (below) calling on the U.S. government to end its policy of separating immigrant families. We Bishops of Virginia strongly support this statement and commend it to your attention.
Please join us in making your voice known to your congressional representatives
The Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston The Rt. Rev. Susan Goff
Bishop of Virginia Bishop Suffragan of Virginia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 7, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church is joining other faith organizations in a statement urging the U.S. government to stop its policy of separating immigrant families.
Below is the full statement signed by dozens of faith organizations. Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, president of the Council of Bishops, signed on behalf of the Council.
FAITH LEADERS' STATEMENT ON FAMILY SEPARATION
Recently, the U.S. Administration announced that it will begin separating families and criminally prosecuting all people who enter the U.S. without previous authorization. As religious leaders representing diverse faith perspectives, united in our concern for the well-being of vulnerable migrants who cross our borders fleeing from danger and threats to their lives, we are deeply disappointed and pained to hear this news.
We affirm the family as a foundational societal structure to support human community and understand the household as an estate blessed by God. The security of the family provides critical mental, physical and emotional support to the development and wellbeing of children.
Our congregations and agencies serve many migrant families that have recently arrived in the United States. Leaving their communities is often the only option they have to provide safety for their children and protect them from harm. Tearing children away from parents who have made a dangerous journey to provide a safe and sufficient life for them is unnecessarily cruel and detrimental to the well-being of parents and children.
As we continue to serve and love our neighbor, we pray for the children and families that will suffer due to this policy and urge the Administration to stop their policy of separating families.
(See attachment for full list of participants)
