Prompted by increasing hostility to immigrants, and recognizing this as a critical time for immigrant legislation, a new advocacy group has formed to aid refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.

Richard Parkins, director of Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) at the Episcopal Church Center, and the Rev. John Denaro, EMM staff officer for church relations and outreach, invited a group of clergy and laity to convene in Los Angeles May 14-15.

This group is working with immigrants at the grass-roots level, witnessing daily the problems and challenges their vulnerable congregations face. The aim of the new group is to increase the influence of The Episcopal Church on immigration issues that directly affect Episcopalians.

Meeting participants discussed the relationship of The Episcopal Church to immigration issues, reviewed a resolution (A017) adopted by the 75th General Convention on fundamental immigration principles, and shared strategies for advocacy, increasing opportunities for networking. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has made it clear that The Episcopal Church is still committed to speaking out on behalf of those who live in poverty and fear, suffering from racial prejudice and discrimination.

During its June meeting, Executive Council approved Resolution NAC-022 which encourages people to “assist those seeking protection from deportation and detention by the provision of sanctuary which can include material, legal, and pastoral support, and those considering such action do so only after careful consideration and consultation with local experts on the legal implications of such actions.”

Among the strategies discussed were enacting public liturgies, creating a hotline and alert network to bring to the attention of the media and government immigration emergencies, providing legal services, meeting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, the need for legal and financial assistance, and addressing conflict in churches related to immigration issues.

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