Solidarity with Immigrants & Refugees

ST. MARGARET'S RESOLUTION

Vestry Resolution on Solidarity with Refugees and Immigrants
 
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture calls us to love the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and welcome the sojourner in our midst (Leviticus 19:34; Matthew 25:35);

WHEREAS, our Baptismal Covenant calls us to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 305);

WHEREAS, The Episcopal Church has consistently affirmed the dignity and rights of immigrants and refugees through resolutions of its General Convention, including:

• Resolution 2018-C009, which reaffirms the Church’s support for “the rights of refugees and displaced persons,” and calls for just immigration policies that keep families together and protect due process;
• Resolution 2018-D009, which expresses “deep concern over the treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers,” and urges advocacy against mass deportations and family separations;
• Resolution 2015-D057, which calls on all Episcopalians “to welcome and support refugees and migrants as children of God,” and to oppose xenophobia and racism in immigration policy;

WHEREAS, the six Episcopal Bishops in the state of California have written an open letter to the Episcopal churches throughout the state expressing their concerns about the denial of due process for those detained and the potential for ICE raids targeting beloved community institutions and people working to support their families and stating that “in our churches, we strive to protect our members who are at risk”;

WHERE AS, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church calls the Episcopal Church “to place the most vulnerable and marginalized at the center of our common life,… we must follow that command regardless of the dictates of any political party or earthly power.”

WHEREAS, recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) raids have caused widespread fear and suffering, disproportionately impacting vulnerable families and communities and conflicting with our Gospel call to compassion, mercy, and justice;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Vestry of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church stands in solidarity with immigrants, refugees, and all who seek safety and a better life in this country;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we denounce the recent I.C.E. raids and any government actions that criminalize or target the poor, the undocumented, or the displaced, and we call for immigration policies that are just, humane, and rooted in compassion;
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that St. Margaret’s affirms the God-given dignity of all people, especially the poor and vulnerable in our communities, and recommits to advocating for justice, extending hospitality, and walking alongside all who live in fear or uncertainty;

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the parish of St. Margaret’s will explore meaningful and concrete ways to support immigrants and refugees in our midst, including but not limited to: education, sanctuary, legal aid partnerships, pastoral care, and public advocacy— acting in the spirit of Christ’s call to love our neighbor and welcome the stranger.

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