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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am troubled by the stories that I am witnessing of the dehumanization of our immigrant brothers and sisters by the presence and activity of ICE in Western North Carolina. Let me be clear, I recognize the legitimacy of law enforcement and the work that needs to be done to find meaningful solutions in a deeply broken immigration system. But this statement is not about policy, it is about our baptismal covenant and our call to ensure the dignity of all people. It is essential that we are aligned on this fundamental belief: All should be treated with dignity and respect because all are beloved children of God.
Throughout my years in law enforcement, I understood the importance of enforcing the law and maintaining public safety. I also learned that every individual, regardless of circumstance, citizenship, language, or background, is endowed with God-given dignity. My responsibility to enforce law was inextricably joined by a responsibility to treat people humanely, to listen to their stories, and to remember that accountability and compassion are not opposites. They are inseparable.
That conviction has only deepened in my ministry as your Bishop. We are a people who have promised to seek and serve Christ in all persons. These promises are not abstractions; they are faithful commitments that must shape the way we respond to the vulnerable in our midst.
Friends, this is real. Many of our Latino brothers and sisters, even those with legal status, are scared to leave home, to shop for groceries, and even to gather for worship in our diocese. Militarized tactics, surprise raids, and the creation of fear-based environments do not promote safety; they undermine it. These practices fracture trust and destabilize neighborhoods. I am distressed and, to be honest, angry at these actions that are creating panic and fear. As followers of Christ, we cannot be indifferent to this harm. To objectify, to put down, to enact violence is antithetical to the work, words, and mission of Jesus.
I call for our leaders to meaningfully gather and work toward a solution regarding immigration policy. It is time for true reform that both clarifies the path toward legal status, and ensures protection and decency for all at every point in the immigration process.
In the meantime, we must continue to advocate for the safety and humane treatment of all people – and especially for our Latino neighbors. In these distressing times we must be the embodiment of Christ in the world, lending both our actions and our voices toward the work of justice, love, and mercy.
Thank you for continuing to be a faithful presence of love in your community. Continue on with hope and boldness.
In the words of Micah,
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good,
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice and to love kindness
and to walk humbly with your God?”
(Micah 6:8 NRSV)
Faithfully,
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