Photo by Tricia Bruckbauer, United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
Bishop Dyck Refugees
United Methodist Bishop Sally Dyck joined other national faith leaders and senators speaking on welcoming Syrian refugees during a Capitol Hill press conference on Dec. 8.
In December, Bishop Sally Dyck from Northern Illinois Conference, flew to Washington, D.C. to offer comments at the U.S. Capitol along with representatives from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, the Jewish community, and the Nation's Mosque. They were joined also by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) who spoke about the divisive rhetoric swirling in the United States in regards to refugees.
In her comments, Bishop Dyck told the stories of Syrian refugees that have come to the Chicago area. She also highlighted the plight of those trying to find better lives, "Many young families find themselves between the violence behind them and the refusal of resettlement in some place with peace and safety, which is all that they really want. I trust that our senators will not prevent these refugees from coming."
“Refugees are the single most scrutinized and vetted individuals to travel to the United States, undergoing more than seven security checks by intelligence agencies and taking individuals longer than 1,000 days to be processed before entering," said Bill Mefford, Director of Civil and Human Rights for Church and Society. "This is not a national security issue; this is a moral issue, and it is time for us as people to welcome refugees as Christ has welcomed us.”
Iowa clergy in support of refugees
In a letter sent to Governor Terry Branstad, Iowa clergy called on their state's leader to end discrimination against Syrian refugees on the basis of religion and to "reject fear and cruelty" by welcoming them to the state.
United Methodist pastor, Rev. Alejandro Alfaro-Santiz of Wesley United Methodist Church and Las Americas United Faith Community in Des Moines offered, "Today we remember that Jesus was a refugee with his family, a Middle Eastern family fleeing persecution. We call our governor, who self- identifies as Christian, to follow Christ. We call our governor to not turn away refugees, because as we all know, Iowa is welcoming."
Indiana United Methodists welcome refugees
Indianapolis residents gathered at Epworth United Methodist Church to welcome old and new Syrian refugees. Longtime members of Epworth, Paula and Ed Kassig called for peace and understanding for refugees. The Kassigs' son had been murdered by terrorists, but Paula still called for compassion, "Keep your hearts open to those who could use a leg up. You will strengthen America as you welcome the newcomers."
The community members that gathered also heard from Mohammed Bakur, a Syrian refugee who had dreamed of coming to the U.S. for two years. He thanked the people gathered and expressed his gratitude to have his children in school.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence has been one of the more than 30 governors who have tried to limit refugees coming into their state. The group that met at Epworth UMC hoped that Pence might change his stance on refugees in Indiana. The governor was invited, but did not attend.
For more information
Find the Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe's comments on the refugee crisis here.
Read the full story about Bishop Dyck's D.C. visit at the Northern Illinois Conference site.
The Iowa clergy speaking out in favor of welcoming refugees were profiled by the Iowa Public Radio.
Reprinted with permission from Faith in Action, the newsletter of the General Board of Church and Society.