Scholars for Immigrants
Over 300 scholars of religion released a public statement “All Rights for All, Without Borders” denouncing the Trump Administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy as immoral and inhumane at the National Press Club on Monday June 25th. Courtesy photo.
More than 300 scholars of religion released a public statement “All Rights for All, Without Borders” denouncing the Trump Administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy as immoral and inhumane at the National Press Club on Monday June 25th.
The “All Rights for All, Without Borders” statement has been signed by faculty from a wide range of academic institutions from evangelical institutions like Baylor University and Fuller Seminary to Harvard and Yale Divinity Schools. Several United Methodist institutions are represented among the original signers.
Signatories say: “we remain deeply concerned with the Trump administration’s attempt to substitute mass detention of families as a “solution” for family separation. These practices continue to be rooted in an inhumane policy of “zero tolerance” that is morally, ethically, and spiritually reprehensible. . . . We deny our faith, ethics, and humanity when we remain silent or complicit in the death and dehumanization of others.”
Scholars signing the statement have pledged themselves to actively resist dehumanizing and racist policies with all their might, committing to work together through “full participation in actions that resist these unjust policies” and saying they are “prepared to use theological, political and legal resources to ensure the safety and wellbeing of these children and their families."
Bishop Minerva G. Carcano, chair of the Council of Bishops' Immigration Task Force, was among the top three original signers along with Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre of Iliff School of Theology. Among other original signers from United Methodist institutions were
- Dr. J. Kameron Carter, Duke Divinity School/Indiana University, Bloomington
- Shelly Rambo, Boston University School of Theology
- Dr. W. Anne Joh, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary/Northwestern University
- Chris Boesel, Drew Theological School
- Mary Fulkerson, Duke Divinity School
- Dr. Andrew Sung Park, United Theological Seminary in Ohio
- Dr. Valerie Bridgeman, Methodist Theological Seminary in Ohio
- Ann Craig, Affirmation LGBTQ United Methodists
- Dr. Traci C. West, Drew Theological School
- Dr. Monica A Coleman, Claremont School of Theology
- Dr. Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan, Claremont School of Theology
- Dr. Elaine A. Heath, Duke Divinity School
- Dr. Patrick T. Smith, Duke Divinity School
- Catherine Keller, Drew Theological School
- Elias Ortega-Aponte, Drew Theological School
- Kate Ott, Drew Theological School
- Megan K. DeFranza, Boston University School of Theology
- Joy Ann McDougall, Candler School of Theology, Emory University
- Dr. Javier A. Viera, Drew University Theological School
- Dr. Melanie Johnson-Debaufre, Drew University Theological School
- Dr. Boyung Lee, Iliff School of Theology
- Dr. Wesley J. WIldman, Boston University School of Theology
- Dr. Amy Laura Hall, Duke University Divinity School
Click here for an online petition that continues to collect signatures.