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JUSTICE FOR IMMIGRANTS:
As part of the Council’s effort to bring some “climate change” to the anti-immigrant climate in our state, we are encouraging people of faith to sign on as supporters of a statement called the Religious Coalition for Justice for Immigrants. You can add your name to the growing list of people of faith across North Carolina who want to change the tone of the immigration debate. Click here to add your name to the statement. (Please note that organizations are listed for identification purposes only, so this is a personal statement of support.)
There are times when it is important just to speak out publicly, to bring together individual voices to produce a chorus of people of faith. This seems to be such a time on the issue of immigration. Please join us in supporting this statement of hospitality and justice.
North Carolina Religious Coalition for Justice for Immigrants
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who? Why?
The Coalition is an interfaith effort made up of concerned individuals who want to change the harsh rhetoric of the current immigration debate and remind people of faith that our primary religious calling is to love one another. North Carolinians of all faiths are invited to sign onto the statement. The Coalition is asking people to sign on as an individual act of conscience; the Coalition is not seeking congregational or denominational members at this time. The Coalition had its beginnings in the North Carolina Council of Churches, but it is in no way limited to official Council members. We invite all people of faith, regardless of denominational and political affiliations, to join us as we make our voices heard.
Where?
The Coalition is a statewide effort across North Carolina.
When?
We are now collecting as many signatures as possible. Please forward to family members, friends, and colleagues. For this effort to be successful, we need lots of people sign on, so please distribute widely and follow up with those who you send it to.
What?
The 500-word statement forms the center of gravity for the Coalition, beginning with the affirmation that as “ people of faith and conscience from across North Carolina, we believe that our calling is to welcome immigrants, offering them hospitality and justice. While we recognize that immigration policy is a complex issue that divides people of goodwill, our faiths compel us to stand with immigrants in their struggle for justice.”
The statement goes on to quote representative passages from the Hebrew Bible, the Christian New Testament, and the Qur’an, reflecting the interfaith tenor of the Coalition. Please note that we have limited the number of religious traditions that are represented only because of space considerations; all religious traditions emphasize loving one’s neighbor, and most speak directly about social justice and hospitality. Thus, these passages should not be considered exhaustive.
The second half of the statement offers some specifics, such as calling for “legislative reforms which are fair, humane, and address the root causes of why people migrate.” While the religious calling to hospitality and justice does carry policy implications (some of which are highlighted, broadly, in the statement), the statement itself should not be understood as primarily political in nature. We respect and take seriously disagreements about particular policies. In the end, though, “we agree that all immigrants are made in God’s image and that our religious traditions demand that we care especially for the stranger.” As a result, “we call on all people of faith to stand with immigrants as a matter of religious responsibility, to advocate for their well-being and protection, and to educate our local communities about issues affecting immigrant peoples.”
How will the Coalition use the statement and list of signatories?
Once we have reached a critical mass, the Coalition will publish the statement and list of signatories to the media, religious organizations, and community groups, possibly at a press conference-type event. In addition, the Coalition will contact signatories with action steps and updates. (Please note that email will be sent infrequently.)
Your voice is important – we look forward to hearing from you.
CONTACTS:
RESOURCES:
A small gathering of advocates for immigrants was convened by some of the state’s leading foundations and hosted by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in May 2008 At this meeting, we heard the results of research they had commissioned to better understand the climate in which we are operating. What they found is similar to what we find on many issues: a relatively small group of hard-core anti-immigrants, a relatively small group of hard-core welcome-the-immigrants, and a large group of people in the middle (maybe 60%) who aren’t sure what they think.
Two documents were prepared for that gathering, One document provides a good array of facts and figures which we can use as we argue for a welcoming and hospitable climate. The other gives arguments that we are hearing from those on the other side of this debate and suggests talking points we might use in response.
Units in Acts of Faith: Resources for Prophetic Worship (worship aids, scripture commentary, prayers, litanies, hymn suggestions, and issue-based statistics and facts).
Immigration & Hospitality "A Cup of Cold Water' Matthew 10:40-42
Justice for Farm Workers "Those Who Sow in Tears Reap With Shouts of Joy' Psalm 126
Faith and Immigration Newsletter July 2008
wondering about latino immigration & farmworkers in North carolina? The NC Council of Churches Farmworker Ministry Committee offers free presentations to local congregations on immigration, farmworker issues, and how congregations can develop effective ministries of partnership and outreach. Rural churches are especially invited to participate. To schedule a presentation or find out more, contact the Council office at nccofc@nccouncilofchurches.org.
The Farmworker Institute Speakers Bureau, a publication of the N.C. Council of Churches Farmworker Ministry Committee, is designed as a statewide directory of professionals and advocates available for trainings and presentations for churches, schools, civic groups and others wishing to learn about the Latino population in North Carolina and farmworker conditions and issues. Farmworker Institute Speakers Bureau, 34 pages, FREE
RELEVANT COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENTS:
"Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform" adopted December 5, 2004
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