Immigration Injustice: Welcoming the Stranger

As Episcopalians, we are called by our Baptismal Covenant to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” and to “strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.” This sacred commitment compels us to stand in solidarity with immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, recognizing in their struggles and hopes the face of Christ.

To “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ” means advocating for systems that honor the inherent worth of every person, regardless of where they were born. Standing with immigrants is a Gospel-driven act of justice, embodying God’s vision of a world where barriers are broken, hospitality is extended, and love knows no borders.

We reaffirm our baptismal promise by working to ensure that immigrants and their families are treated with dignity, compassion, and fairness. In this commitment, we walk alongside our immigrant siblings as co-creators of a just and inclusive society, trusting in the grace of God to guide us in this holy work.

Resources:

Letter from Episcopal Church leaders on Trump administration immigration executive orders

Episcopalians commit to protecting immigrants as Trump eyes crackdowns
By Shireen Korkzan
Dioceses and Episcopal-affiliated organizations are offering educational resources to help congregations support migrants in their communities. Others are supporting refugee resettlement or planning to participate in protest events at federal detention facilities. Read full article: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2025/01/13/episcopalians-commit-to-protecting-immigrants-as-incoming-trump-administration-eyes-crackdowns/

Resources from Episcopal Migration Ministries:

Resources from Washington National Cathedral Sanctuary Ministry:
NOTE: All links will expire on 3/31/2025. 

From U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):

 The Red Cards Project
As an additional resource, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center has created “Red Cards” listing the rights that people of varying immigration statuses have while physically present in the United States. These cards available in multiple languages. You may order pre-printed cards for free or print your own to give to others. To find out more, click HERE.

Tell Congress You Oppose Mass Deportations
President-elect Trump and his incoming administration have called for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Immigrant rights groups have highlighted the logistical and legal challenges as well as the damaging impact this would have on our communities. Before President-elect Trump is sworn in next week, join us in telling Congress you oppose mass deportation. While the administration has broad authority to carry out immigration enforcement, Congress must ultimately reform the immigration system, and they need to know where their constituents stand. Join with us today! Take action here: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/action-alerts/?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f120099%2fRespond 

One Anothering – The Colossian Forum
Let’s choose each other in a politically divided world. This 8-week program by The Colossian Forum invites Christians to cultivate mindsets and habits to grow in Christian virtue. This isn’t about changing political positions, but learning how to hold others’ beliefs — and still be in relationship with them. You’ll learn how to show up and love one another in these politically polarizing times. Learn more at https://colossianforum.org/one-anothering/. 

Webinars:

Walking With: Migrant Accompaniment for Ministry Leaders in 2025 and Beyond
Friday, Jan. 17, 10:00 am MT
This webinar, designed for ordained and lay ministry leaders, will offer basics on the U.S. immigration system, “Know Your Rights” information, and practical suggestions for ministry leaders when an undocumented person or recent migrant comes seeking accompaniment in navigating next steps to address their immigration status, as well as how to handle a situation if ICE comes to their church or ministry. Presenters will be lawyers from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Register here.

Know Your Rights Webinar
January 28, 2025, 6:30 p.m. MST via Zoom
This is an informational webinar for churches that have ministries directed towards asylum seekers, refugees, and undocumented migrants. For security reasons, you will be sent a Zoom link a few hours before the presentation. This presentation will be in webinar format so the identity of the Zoom participants will only be known to the hosts. This presentation will be made available for later viewing.
Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNoNPni3n0gMV1zhhVd4ZJFuCVtALXiL3j5UusTGRCUeejrQ/viewform

Family Preparedness: Supporting Newcomer Neighbors
Co-hosted by Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Washington National Cathedral Sanctuary Ministry.
Webinar links: Recording | PPT – English – link expires 3/31/2025 

Free or Low-Cost Immigration Legal Services:

Additional Trainings, Guides, & Hotlines:

  • Colorado Rapid Response Network Hotline: A critical tool to support families facing ICE activity. Families and allies can access this resource by calling 1-844-864-8341 and signing up to volunteer for the hotline.
  • Know Your Rights Trainings: CIRC and partners are ramping up KYR workshops across Colorado to ensure families understand their rights and how to protect themselves – sign up for one today.
  • Family Preparedness Packets: Comprehensive guides are available to help families prepare for potential immigration enforcement actions.