At its July 9th meeting, your Congregation Council unanimously approved a resolution that urges members of First Lutheran Church, as people of faith, to advocate for the well-being of asylum-seekers at our country’s southern border. An accompanying resource list references pastoral letters from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton, and provides links to ELCA Advocacy, ELCA AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunity) and LIRS (Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service). Contact information for elected officials is included.
In the midst of emotionally-charged debates about U.S. immigration, the resolution calls us to turn our attention and that of elected officials toward assuring that all asylum seekers are treated with dignity and that infants and children remain safely in the care of their loved ones. Humane care of our brothers and sisters need not be viewed as a political matter. In such situations we are guided by our faith.
In addition to our advocacy, other specific opportunities for involvement may emerge. Through ELCA AMMPARO, First Lutheran staff receives regular briefings about the needs of church-based facilities offering transitional care (showers, basic hygiene supplies and clothing, guidance) to people who are released from detention. As it becomes clear what is needed most, members of the congregation will receive this information as well.
You can find the resolution and resources for advocates by following the links below. As always, Congregation Council members welcome your questions and comments.
Joining you in prayer and advocacy,
Barry Graham, Congregational Council President
Mike McDannel, Vice-President
Brian Niebuhr, Treasurer
Barb Johnson Frank, Secretary
