A LETTER FROM BISHOP BENFIELD
In recent days many voices across this nation have risen in opposition to the current federal administration’s policy of separating children from their parents as a way to control immigration into the United States. To put it bluntly, such a policy of separating families is immoral. I must add my voice to others who strongly object.I am relatively certain that the General Convention of The Episcopal Church will address the issue when it meets in July. In the meantime, I encourage you to read the following statement signed last week by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and other religious leaders. It is to the point and reminds us of our calling to respect the most vulnerable among us.Faithfully yours,
Larry R. Benfield
Recently, the 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 wellbeing 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 AykazianDiocesan Legate and Director of the Ecumenical OfficeDiocese of the Armenian Church of AmericaMr. Azhar AzeezPresident, Islamic Society of North AmericaThe Most Rev. Joseph C. BamberaBishop of Scranton, Penn., and Chair of theBishops' Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious AffairsSenior Bishop George E. Battle, Jr.Presiding Prelate, Piedmont Episcopal DistrictAfrican Methodist Episcopal Zion ChurchBishop H. Kenneth Carter, Jr.President, Council of BishopsThe United Methodist ChurchThe Most Rev. Michael B. CurryPresiding Bishop, The Episcopal Church (United States)The Rev. Dr. John C. DorhauerGeneral Minister & President, United Church of ChristThe Rev. Elizabeth A. EatonPresiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaThe Rev. David GuthriePresident, Provincial Elders' ConferenceMoravian Church Southern ProvinceMr. Glen GuytonExecutive Director, Mennonite Church USAThe Rev. Teresa Hord OwensGeneral Minister and PresidentChristian Church (Disciples of Christ)Rabbi Rick JacobsPresident, Union for Reform JudaismMr. Anwar KhanPresident, Islamic Relief USAThe Rev. Dr. Betsy MillerPresident, Provincial Elders' ConferenceMoravian Church Northern ProvinceThe Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson IIStated Clerk, Presbyterian Church (USA)Rabbi Jonah PesnerDirector, Religious Action Center of Reform JudaismThe Rev. Don PoestInterim General SecretaryThe Rev. Eddy AlemánCandidate for General SecretaryReformed Church in AmericaSenior Bishop Lawrence Reddick IIIPresiding Bishop, The Eighth Episcopal DistrictChristian Methodist Episcopal ChurchThe Rev. Phil TomExecutive DirectorInternational Council of Community ChurchesMr. Jim WinklerGeneral Secretary & PresidentNational Council of Churches USASenior Bishop McKinley YoungPresiding Prelate, Third Episcopal DistrictAfrican Methodist Episcopal Church
World Refugee Day — June 20
Video from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
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