Statement on Separation of Immigrant Families

 

The Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston  Bishop of Virginia

The Rt. Rev. Susan Goff Bishop Suffragan of Virginia

 

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.

 

His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian Diocesan Legate and Director of the Ecumenical Office Diocese of the Armenian Church of America	The Rev. Teresa Hord Owens General Minister and President Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Mr. Azhar Azeez President Islamic Society of North America	Rabbi Rick Jacobs President Union for Reform Judaism
The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera Bishop of Scranton, PA Chair, Bishops’ Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs	Mr. Anwar Khan President Islamic Relief USA
Senior Bishop George E. Battle, Jr. Presiding Prelate, Piedmont Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church	The Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller President, Provincial Elders’ Conference Moravian Church Northern Province
Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, Jr. President, Council of Bishops The United Methodist Church	The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II Stated Clerk Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry Presiding Bishop Episcopal Church (United States)	Rabbi Jonah Pesner Director Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
The Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer General Minister & President United Church of Christ	The Rev. Don Poest Interim General Secretary The Rev. Eddy Alemán Candidate for General Secretary Reformed Church in America
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America	Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick III Presiding Bishop, The 8th Episcopal District Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. David Guthrie President, Provincial Elders’ Conference Moravian Church Southern Province	The Rev. Phil Tom Executive Director International Council of Community Churches
Mr. Glen Guyton Executive Director Mennonite Church USA	Senior Bishop McKinley Young Presiding Prelate, Third Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church