ELCA, Episcopal leaders celebrate Senate passage of immigration reform

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) and The Episcopal Church released a joint statement that
commends the U.S. Senate for passing comprehensive immigration reform. On
June 27, the bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 68 to 32.
“Lutherans and Episcopalians celebrate the Senate’s passage of
comprehensive immigration reform. As people called by our faith to
welcome the newcomer, we are thankful for the relief the bill seeks to
provide to migrants who are our friends, family, neighbors and members of
our congregations,” the statement reads.
Noting “this joyful moment,” the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding
bishop of the ELCA and the Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori,
presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, write that “serious and long-
standing problems in our current immigration system will be remedied if
the Senate’s bill becomes law.”
The legislation provides a pathway to citizenship for the estimated
11 million people who are undocumented and living in the United States.
In the statement, Hanson and Jefferts Schori recognize the hardships
these individuals and families face and underscore the importance of the
churches’ ministry to the immigrant population.
“Our clergy are often among the first people families turn to for
help when separated from a loved one and this ministry makes clear the
pressing need for reform. The legislation recognizes the many blessings
migrants bring to our communities and moves our immigration system closer
to compassion.”
The bill now goes before the House of Representatives. Hanson and
Jefferts Schori say if the proposed legislation becomes law it will
benefit both U.S. citizens and aspiring Americans as “families are
reunited, businesses are opened, and vulnerable migrants and refugees
receive the protection they seek.”
“As the legislative process moves to the House of Representatives,
we will continue our witness for justice, calling for immigration laws
and policies that unite all families and treat all persons with dignity
and compassion. Ongoing and bold advocacy, in partnership with Lutheran
Immigration and Refugee Service and Episcopal Migration Ministries, will
not stop until our laws, policies and practices offer welcome, compassion
and justice to migrants and refugees.”
The 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly approved resolutions designed to
advocate for comprehensive federal immigration reform and support of the
DREAM Act -- legislation that provides a path for citizenship for
undocumented youth.
“We pray members of the House of Representatives will continue this
momentous work and keep the plight of migrants and refugees in their
hearts as they consider immigration reform,” the statement
closes.