Special Message on Welcoming Refugees

Bishop White Joins Ecumenical Leaders throughout Kentucky

in Statement of Welcome Regarding Syrian Refugees

God is both refuge and strength for us, a help always ready in trouble

Ps 46:1 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Not unlike the days after September 11, 2001 and in World War II, we find ourselves faced with acts of violence. It is a very natural reaction to be afraid in the midst and aftermath of these types of acts, but we find that we are called, as followers of Jesus Christ, to remember that refuge for all people is found in God, and not in fear.

We continue to pray for all who died and were affected by the tragic acts that have rocked France, Lebanon and other sites throughout the world in these last weeks. We know though, that those who have fled war-torn Syria are truly in need of refuge. And in recent days we have heard some voices from state and federal leaders who no longer wish to allow these refugees forced from their homes the alternative of a safe haven in the United States, and even in our own Commonwealth. The children, women, and men of Syria are victims of terror, as well, and we strongly urge that Kentucky can continue to be a safe haven for refugees to begin their lives again, as Kentucky has been welcoming refugees from war-torn nations for many years.

It is always helpful to note that it usually takes a refugee 18-24 months to complete the extremely thorough screening process before a refugee from any country can enter the United States. We urge our government agencies to be as thorough as possible in these screening efforts, but we wish always to be a community that welcomes the refugee.

K entucky is a Commonwealth that has been enriched by the lives of refugees being resettled here. Jesus, a refugee who fled to Egypt himself, calls us to welcome the stranger. We call on the leaders of Kentucky to continue to welcome the Syrian refugees who desperately need our help. God is the refuge and strength of all, and God empowers us to open our hearts and our doors to the ravaged refugees of Syria.

Faithfully,

The Rev. J. Gregory Alexander General Minister. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky	Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath African Methodist Episcopal Church, K entucky and Tennessee
The Rev. Dr. Rhonda Blevins Executive Coordinator, Kentucky Baptist Fellowship	The Rev. Philip Lotspeich, General Presbyter, Presbytery of Transylvania-PCUSA
Bishop Lindsey Davis, Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church	The Most Rev. William Medley, Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Owensboro
The Most Rev. Roger Foys Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington	The Rev. John Odom, Presbyter for Community Life, Presbytery of Mid-Kentucky- PCUSA
The Rev. Dr. William O. Gafkjen, Bishop, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America	Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr. Mid-West Episcopal District of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
The Rt. Rev. W. Douglas Hahn. Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Lexington	The Most Rev. John Stowe, OFM Conv., Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington
The Rev. R. Philip Hart Consulting Conference Minister, The Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ	Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr. Presiding Bishop, Second Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. Dr. Peggy Hinds Interim Executive Director, Kentucky Council of Churches	The Rt. Rev. Terry Allen White, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky
The Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz Archbishop, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville

The Episcopal Church presents webinar on Syrian refugees in the USA

To help understand the current situation with Syrian refugees, the Episcopal Church will present a live webinar tonight, Monday, November 23, at 8pm ET to examine this emerging refugee crisis.

"These webinars will explore the current situation and how Episcopalians can be involved in this ministry of welcome," noted Samuel McDonald, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Director of Mission. "The webinars are ideal tools for discussion groups, adult forums, and as a basis for preaching points."

For more information on how to watch please click here.

Contact Elected Leaders

2) Advocate for refugees through the Episcopal Public Policy Network: http://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/ EPPN can help you reach out to your elected leaders to let them know how you feel about these issues.

How to Help with Kentucky Refugee Ministries

Kentucky Refugee Ministries is the local partner of Episcopal Migration Ministries, one of the largest refugee resettlement organizations in the country. KRM's vision is to compassionately welcome and serve the world's displaced people; to encourage the hope that lives within each human being by providing an atmosphere of hospitality, responsiveness, mutual respect, trust and tolerance; and to be known for our reliability, resourcefulness, partnerships and comprehensive services.

For more information on how to contact Kentucky Refugee Ministries and how to support refugees click here.

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