Immigrant Christian Leaders Come Together for Immigration Reform

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#ImmigrationReform–Today, Christian leaders representing a broad range of immigrant
organizations, denominations, and congregations announced the creation
of a new network. “We Stand Together” is calling on the next Congress
and new president to address comprehensive immigration reform in the
first 100 days of the new legislative calendar.

“The United States is on the verge of important decisions about who will
lead and what direction we will take,” said Bishop Jose Garcia, director
of church relations at Bread for the World. “We must not allow the
rhetoric of division and distrust to distract us from the hard work of
building community and speaking about God’s welcome for all people.”

The Christian leaders came from all parts of the U.S. to offer a vision
for the future they believe is reflective of God’s grace and love for
all people, including undocumented immigrants. They pledge to speak out
whenever anti-immigrant rhetoric gains national attention and when local
events merit a national response.

“This is a moment that calls on Christians to speak up on behalf of our
sisters and brothers who have been forced to flee their countries
because of violence and harsh economic conditions,” said Rev. Dr. Art
Cribbs, executive director of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity.
“Just as Jesus was taken by his parents across borders for sanctuary,
today families are seeking safety in the United States. We stand with
them and call on Congress to enact policies that protect and provide for
their care. And, as Christians, we urge churches to open their doors and
receive immigrants into our communities, for that is required of us in
these days.”

The group has released a statement of shared values which reads, in
part: “Our call to action is firmly rooted in the Word of God and
informed by our experience as immigrants. Our goal is the biblical
vision of the beloved community. And as people of faith, we support
immigration policies that prioritize human rights, dignity, compassion
and justice.”

“Immigration is not only a Latino/a issue but also an Asian-American
issue. One out of 6 Korean-Americans is undocumented,” said Rev. Nayoung
Ha, organizing director with the Korean American Resource and Cultural
Center in Chicago. “The number of undocumented Asian-Americans has been
growing faster than the number of undocumented Mexicans since 2000. And
this fact is hidden in the Asian-American community. I believe that it
is time for us, Asian-American Christian leaders, to face this fact and
speak out for our community members who are suffering because of their
immigration status. Asian-American Christian leaders must demand
immigration policy for a fear-free, sustainable life of our
Asian-American immigrant families regardless of their immigration
status.”

The group will add to their number with a nationwide invitation to
Christians who also believe that immigrants should be welcomed and
appreciated.

Read We Stand Together’s full statement at www.bread.org/westandtogether

Bread for the World (www.bread.org)
is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to
end hunger at home and abroad.

Contacts

Bread for the World
Chris Ford, 202-688-1077
cford@bread.org

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