I write this letter as an individual. Signing with me are other individuals who share these views. We all are members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
While we do not represent the entire congregation, as persons of faith, followers of Jesus, we feel compelled to speak out.
Biblical scripture teaches us, “The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself...” (Lev. 19:34). We live in a culture that promotes fear at every turn. Being afraid of those who are different from us stops us from love as Christ loved and commanded – not asked, not suggested, but commanded – us to love.
We have a choice. We can act with compassion toward refugees and immigrants. We can be a haven of safety for those who need it and save lives. Or we can turn a deaf ear toward God’s call to care “for the least of these” (Mt. 25:40).
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
Leigh Waggoner, Dottie Wayt, Ron Morley, Bill and Marcia Wilson, Kendra Broderick, Jack and Judy Schuenmeyer, Linda Rose, Bruce Johnson, Roxanne Rogers, Randolyn Funk, Judy Osterhoudt, Sylvia Clahchischilli, Kyle and Judy Schreckenbach, Ann Haspels, Sue Fredrickson, Linda Brice, Helen Newman, Carol and Jim West, Cathie and David Everett, Alexandra and Brian Mason, Kathleen Swope
Cortez