"Help us carry the mantle of Betty Dorr to General Conference 2016" Reconciling Ministries Network of Chicago, Illinois, United States for Wednesday, 24 February 2016 - #ItsTime to Give
General Conference Fund named in Honor of Betty Dorr
In March of 2015, the Reconciling movement lost one of its most persistent and loving advocates, Betty Dorr. A chosen mother to many, Betty was known for her warm embrace of those who were turned away from their own families and for her tenacious advocacy for full inclusion in The United Methodist Church.
In gratitude for her faithful presence at General Conference, Reconciling Ministries Network has named our General Conference Fund in her honor. We are committed to boldly carrying forth her witness - of presence, of hope, of unconditional love for all God's people - as we head to Portland this May.
In partnership with the Parents Reconciling Network, RMN has developed a variety of ways to give—as individuals, couples, and communities—that align with Betty's most fervent efforts for achieving LGBTQ justice.
Will you make a contribution to the legacy of Betty Dorr and support our work at General Conference?
It's Time to give.
Learn more about ways to contribute to the Betty Dorr General Conference Fund
Watch a video of Reconciling United Methodists sharing about the transformative power of Betty Dorr's life and witness in their lives and in the life of The United Methodist Church.
---------------------
"Baltimore-Washington Area Affirms Lesbian Candidate for Ministry" Reconciling Ministries Network of Chicago, Illinois, United States for Wednesday, 10 February 2016 - News of justice from the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference
A way forward in ridding the church of it's "don't ask, don't tell" policy
Today the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Baltimore-Washington Conference issued a statement regarding the process through which they affirmed the call of God upon the life of T.C. Morrow, a married lesbian and member of Foundry United Methodist Church.
We celebrate today’s news, not simply because it is an affirmation of the gifts for ministry of queer people of God everywhere, but in particular, because the decision was made in the light of day – in a spirit of full transparency. The chair of the board, Rev. Charles Parker, expressed the board’s intention to rid the denomination of its “unhealthy ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ model.” Through a process of discernment, holy conferencing, and deep engagement with the Book of Discipline and pertinent Judicial Council rulings, the board adopted a policy to examine candidates for ordination based on their credentials for ministry, not their God-given identities.
LGBTQ folks have been lavishing their gifts for ministry upon The United Methodist Church under the burden of secrecy for decades, but what is genuinely unique here is the board’s integrity in its decision to stand openly by their word and deed. The courage displayed by the Baltimore-Washington Board of Ordained Ministry is predicated upon an original courage, an original faithfulness, and an original grace displayed by T.C. – she refuses to compromise the fullness of her baptismal identity as a queer person of God.
In a statement of support, Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli, senior pastor at Foundry UMC, shared about T.C.’s gifts for ministry exhibited through her membership at Foundry:
"Foundry UMC has been blessed for fourteen years to call T. C. Morrow a member of the family. T.C. has been generous in sharing her gifts of leadership in a wide variety of ministries, serving as a wise mentor to youth, a thoughtful collaborator in committee work, a creative planner for retreats, a caring presence for the elderly, and a tireless advocate and organizer for social justice. Her devotion to God, commitment to The United Methodist Church, and graces for ordained ministry are palpable and powerful. We wholeheartedly affirm, support, and celebrate T.C.’s continued journey toward ministry as a Deacon in Full Connection."
T.C. stated her gratitude for the board's leadership by saying, "As I reflect on the intentional process the BoOM undertook to respectfully interview all candidates fairly, I am thankful for the same commitment to honesty and openness that I seek to live by. Having participated in the "circles of grace" at the Annual Conference the last two years, as a lay member from Foundry, I know there is opportunity for holy moments in the midst of open conversations, even when challenging."
The drumbeat of justice grows stronger as we move toward the General Conference. More and more people, churches, and annual conferences are realizing, finally, that it's time for the church to embrace all its LGBTQ clergy -- those who serve faithfully in secret and those who can serve in full transparency -- in accordance with the spirit of the Book of Discipline, and for the well-being of the whole people of God.
Matt Berryman
Executive Director
Reconciling Ministries Network
Read the Baltimore-Washington Board of Ordained Ministry Statement
BoOM statement on its recommendation“…the only thing that counts is faith working through love." Galatians 5:6 (NRSV)
From its beginning, Methodism has had a rich appreciation for theological diversity. John Wesley recognized what sociologists are now beginning to measure with great precision: that organizational systems which intentionally foster and celebrate diversity of all sorts are healthier and more stable systems than those that are homogenous. Wesley preached and wrote frequently on our call to honor the conscience of each other and to respect differing viewpoints. “On all opinions that do not strike at the heart of Christianity,” he wrote, “we think and let think.”
This respect was lived out in the process of “holy conferencing,” a means of grace in which the Holy Spirit’s will becomes clear through our healthy discourse. For the past several years, the Baltimore-Washington Conference has been employing this means of grace around matters of human sexuality. We have experienced dialogue groups, panel discussions, listening sessions, and circles of grace to allow us to hear, see and understand one another more deeply, and thus discern where the Holy Spirit is moving.
In a similar way, the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Baltimore-Washington Conference (BoOM) has been intentionally engaged in holy conferencing around matters of human sexuality. With same-gender marriage now a civil right in every part of our conference and throughout the United States, the Board deliberately sought to be better prepared for the diversity of candidates who come before us.
To facilitate holy conferencing around the issue, the BoOM invited Stephanie Hixson from JustPeace — the United Methodist Center for Mediation and Conflict Transformation — to lead our conversation. The Board began this process by talking about our values as a Board, and how we want to faithfully embody these values. There was a great deal of conversation about the importance of honesty and openness, as well as accountability and integrity. Following the conversation on values, members were encouraged to share with one another the key Biblical insights and theological principles that guide them on matters of human sexuality. The Board also examined both the language of the Book of Discipline and the pertinent Judicial Council rulings to explore where there was room for people to vote their consciences on this issue. The conversation was rich, honest, respectful and — dare we say — holy.
In the end, the Board of Ordained Ministry adopted a policy that would allow all candidates to be examined fairly, regardless of their sexual orientation, and each individual Board member to vote his or her conscience. The policy affirms: As a Board, we recognize that our BoOM, our annual conference, and The United Methodist Church are not of one mind on the issue of ordination of LGBTQ individuals, and that our Judicial Council has issued multiple rulings regarding ordination and the definition of “self-avowed, practicing homosexuals” that create further ambiguity. We therefore affirm the right and responsibility of all Board members to engage in holy conferencing during deliberations and to vote their conscience following a fair examination of all candidates.
As a Board, we affirmed this policy, adopting as our guiding principal that we would, “Move forward with evaluating all candidates solely on the disciplinary requirements and previously adopted requirements of the BWC. Regardless of sexual orientation, married candidates will be expected to affirm fidelity in marriage and single candidates will be expected to affirm celibacy in singleness.” (December 9, 2015 proposal to the BWC Board of Ordained Ministry)
In an effort to live out on a conference level what we are trying to practice on a Board level – transparency, honesty, and respect for diversity of opinion – we want to share some information from our most recent provisional member exam. This information is typically held in confidence by the Board, but is being shared with the candidate’s permission:
At the provisional member examination in January, the BoOM voted to recommend Tara (T.C.) Morrow for provisional membership as a deacon in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Ms. Morrow articulates a God-given call to ministry that has been affirmed by many people. She demonstrates faith, fire, and fruit in the area of social justice, as seen in her work on staff at the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. She has a deep passion for — and longstanding commitment to — The United Methodist Church. While Ms. Morrow’s credentials, love of the church, and performance at the exam are similar to other candidates the BoOM voted to recommend for provisional membership, her circumstances are dissimilar in that she is married to a woman.
All candidates recommended by BoOM passed with at least the required three-quarter majority vote of the Board. Those recommended for provisional or full membership will be presented and voted on during the clergy executive session of Annual Conference on Wednesday, June 1. Just as at the Board of Ordained Ministry, the voting members attending the clergy session have the right and responsibility to engage in holy conferencing and to faithfully vote their conscience.
We live in a nation and a denomination that is highly polarized and where dialogue is often uncivil. Our ability to engage in healthy, holy conferencing strengthens us as a denomination and a people of God. The Board has been faithful to a profoundly Wesleyan call to create a culture where openness and honesty prevail, and where faithful people who may disagree with one another can work together in discerning God’s call on people’s lives. We are keenly aware that our church is of many minds on the nature and morality of homosexuality; and we believe for that very reason we should give each other the right to discern the will of the Spirit.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide our discussions, that our conversations will continue to be holy and respectful, and that the decisions we make will glorify God and reflect God’s love and justice into the world. Please pray with us that God may help us to see what the Spirit is doing in the world around us and enable us to be a part of that holy work.
---------------------
Full text of BoOM motionWe will move forward with evaluating all candidates solely on the disciplinary requirements and previously adopted requirements of the BWC. Regardless of sexual orientation, married candidates will be expected to affirm fidelity in marriage and single candidates will be expected to affirm celibacy in singleness.
As a Board, we recognize that our BoOM, our annual conference, and The United Methodist Church are not of one mind on the issue of ordination of LGBTQ individuals, and that our Judicial Council has issued multiple rulings regarding ordination and the definition of “self-avowed, practicing homosexuals” that create further ambiguity. We therefore affirm the right and responsibility of all Board members to engage in holy conferencing during deliberations and to vote their conscience following a fair examination of all candidates.
Pertinent BoD paragraphs: 140, 161(F), 162(J), 304.3, 341.6, 2702.1
Pertinent BoR Resolutions: 2041, 2042
Pertinent Judicial Council rulings: 1263, 1262,1244, 1218, 1027, 980, 944, 920,
---------------------
"Reconciling Ministries Network releases 'A Season of Becoming' Lenten Devotional for Individual and Church Distribution" of Chicago, Illinois, United States for Thursday, 4 February 2016 - An inclusive spiritual resource for your Lenten journey
A Season of Becoming
Reconciling Ministries Network is thrilled to make available this inclusive daily Lenten devotional for your spiritual nourishment this upcoming season.
Featuring 47 diverse voices from across the movement, A Season of Becoming: Restoring and being restored for the transformation of the church and world is comprised of poetry, prayers, and personal reflections based on the daily lectionary readings.
As the season of Lent draws near, we are invited into a period of self-reflection, preparation, and spiritual growth as we engage in the holy work of becoming. The Spirit moves through this season to free us from that which binds our growth as we are drawn more deeply into the truth of who we are, into the possibilities of who we can become, and of the justice we are called to seek together.
RMN hopes this daily devotional will offer you spiritual nourishment and restoration as we prepare our hearts for General Conference this May where the global denomination will meet to make choices about who we are going to be as a church for the next four years.
Downloads are available for individual and congregational distribution atrmnetwork.org/lent
Get your own copy of A Season of Becoming
-----------------------
"Baltimore-Washington Area Affirms Lesbian Candidate for Ministry" Reconciling Ministries Network of Chicago, Illinois, United States for Wednesday, 10 February 2016 - News of justice from the Baltimore-Washington Annual ConferenceA way forward in ridding the church of it's "don't ask, don't tell" policy
Today the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Baltimore-Washington Conference issued a statement regarding the process through which they affirmed the call of God upon the life of T.C. Morrow, a married lesbian and member of Foundry United Methodist Church.
We celebrate today’s news, not simply because it is an affirmation of the gifts for ministry of queer people of God everywhere, but in particular, because the decision was made in the light of day – in a spirit of full transparency. The chair of the board, Rev. Charles Parker, expressed the board’s intention to rid the denomination of its “unhealthy ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ model.” Through a process of discernment, holy conferencing, and deep engagement with the Book of Discipline and pertinent Judicial Council rulings, the board adopted a policy to examine candidates for ordination based on their credentials for ministry, not their God-given identities.
LGBTQ folks have been lavishing their gifts for ministry upon The United Methodist Church under the burden of secrecy for decades, but what is genuinely unique here is the board’s integrity in its decision to stand openly by their word and deed. The courage displayed by the Baltimore-Washington Board of Ordained Ministry is predicated upon an original courage, an original faithfulness, and an original grace displayed by T.C. – she refuses to compromise the fullness of her baptismal identity as a queer person of God.
In a statement of support, Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli, senior pastor at Foundry UMC, shared about T.C.’s gifts for ministry exhibited through her membership at Foundry:
"Foundry UMC has been blessed for fourteen years to call T. C. Morrow a member of the family. T.C. has been generous in sharing her gifts of leadership in a wide variety of ministries, serving as a wise mentor to youth, a thoughtful collaborator in committee work, a creative planner for retreats, a caring presence for the elderly, and a tireless advocate and organizer for social justice. Her devotion to God, commitment to The United Methodist Church, and graces for ordained ministry are palpable and powerful. We wholeheartedly affirm, support, and celebrate T.C.’s continued journey toward ministry as a Deacon in Full Connection."
T.C. stated her gratitude for the board's leadership by saying, "As I reflect on the intentional process the BoOM undertook to respectfully interview all candidates fairly, I am thankful for the same commitment to honesty and openness that I seek to live by. Having participated in the "circles of grace" at the Annual Conference the last two years, as a lay member from Foundry, I know there is opportunity for holy moments in the midst of open conversations, even when challenging."
The drumbeat of justice grows stronger as we move toward the General Conference. More and more people, churches, and annual conferences are realizing, finally, that it's time for the church to embrace all its LGBTQ clergy -- those who serve faithfully in secret and those who can serve in full transparency -- in accordance with the spirit of the Book of Discipline, and for the well-being of the whole people of God.
Matt Berryman
Executive Director
Reconciling Ministries Network
Read the Baltimore-Washington Board of Ordained Ministry Statement
BoOM statement on its recommendation“…the only thing that counts is faith working through love." Galatians 5:6 (NRSV)
From its beginning, Methodism has had a rich appreciation for theological diversity. John Wesley recognized what sociologists are now beginning to measure with great precision: that organizational systems which intentionally foster and celebrate diversity of all sorts are healthier and more stable systems than those that are homogenous. Wesley preached and wrote frequently on our call to honor the conscience of each other and to respect differing viewpoints. “On all opinions that do not strike at the heart of Christianity,” he wrote, “we think and let think.”
This respect was lived out in the process of “holy conferencing,” a means of grace in which the Holy Spirit’s will becomes clear through our healthy discourse. For the past several years, the Baltimore-Washington Conference has been employing this means of grace around matters of human sexuality. We have experienced dialogue groups, panel discussions, listening sessions, and circles of grace to allow us to hear, see and understand one another more deeply, and thus discern where the Holy Spirit is moving.
In a similar way, the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Baltimore-Washington Conference (BoOM) has been intentionally engaged in holy conferencing around matters of human sexuality. With same-gender marriage now a civil right in every part of our conference and throughout the United States, the Board deliberately sought to be better prepared for the diversity of candidates who come before us.
To facilitate holy conferencing around the issue, the BoOM invited Stephanie Hixson from JustPeace — the United Methodist Center for Mediation and Conflict Transformation — to lead our conversation. The Board began this process by talking about our values as a Board, and how we want to faithfully embody these values. There was a great deal of conversation about the importance of honesty and openness, as well as accountability and integrity. Following the conversation on values, members were encouraged to share with one another the key Biblical insights and theological principles that guide them on matters of human sexuality. The Board also examined both the language of the Book of Discipline and the pertinent Judicial Council rulings to explore where there was room for people to vote their consciences on this issue. The conversation was rich, honest, respectful and — dare we say — holy.
In the end, the Board of Ordained Ministry adopted a policy that would allow all candidates to be examined fairly, regardless of their sexual orientation, and each individual Board member to vote his or her conscience. The policy affirms: As a Board, we recognize that our BoOM, our annual conference, and The United Methodist Church are not of one mind on the issue of ordination of LGBTQ individuals, and that our Judicial Council has issued multiple rulings regarding ordination and the definition of “self-avowed, practicing homosexuals” that create further ambiguity. We therefore affirm the right and responsibility of all Board members to engage in holy conferencing during deliberations and to vote their conscience following a fair examination of all candidates.
As a Board, we affirmed this policy, adopting as our guiding principal that we would, “Move forward with evaluating all candidates solely on the disciplinary requirements and previously adopted requirements of the BWC. Regardless of sexual orientation, married candidates will be expected to affirm fidelity in marriage and single candidates will be expected to affirm celibacy in singleness.” (December 9, 2015 proposal to the BWC Board of Ordained Ministry)
In an effort to live out on a conference level what we are trying to practice on a Board level – transparency, honesty, and respect for diversity of opinion – we want to share some information from our most recent provisional member exam. This information is typically held in confidence by the Board, but is being shared with the candidate’s permission:
At the provisional member examination in January, the BoOM voted to recommend Tara (T.C.) Morrow for provisional membership as a deacon in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Ms. Morrow articulates a God-given call to ministry that has been affirmed by many people. She demonstrates faith, fire, and fruit in the area of social justice, as seen in her work on staff at the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. She has a deep passion for — and longstanding commitment to — The United Methodist Church. While Ms. Morrow’s credentials, love of the church, and performance at the exam are similar to other candidates the BoOM voted to recommend for provisional membership, her circumstances are dissimilar in that she is married to a woman.
All candidates recommended by BoOM passed with at least the required three-quarter majority vote of the Board. Those recommended for provisional or full membership will be presented and voted on during the clergy executive session of Annual Conference on Wednesday, June 1. Just as at the Board of Ordained Ministry, the voting members attending the clergy session have the right and responsibility to engage in holy conferencing and to faithfully vote their conscience.
We live in a nation and a denomination that is highly polarized and where dialogue is often uncivil. Our ability to engage in healthy, holy conferencing strengthens us as a denomination and a people of God. The Board has been faithful to a profoundly Wesleyan call to create a culture where openness and honesty prevail, and where faithful people who may disagree with one another can work together in discerning God’s call on people’s lives. We are keenly aware that our church is of many minds on the nature and morality of homosexuality; and we believe for that very reason we should give each other the right to discern the will of the Spirit.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide our discussions, that our conversations will continue to be holy and respectful, and that the decisions we make will glorify God and reflect God’s love and justice into the world. Please pray with us that God may help us to see what the Spirit is doing in the world around us and enable us to be a part of that holy work.
---------------------
Full text of BoOM motionWe will move forward with evaluating all candidates solely on the disciplinary requirements and previously adopted requirements of the BWC. Regardless of sexual orientation, married candidates will be expected to affirm fidelity in marriage and single candidates will be expected to affirm celibacy in singleness.
As a Board, we recognize that our BoOM, our annual conference, and The United Methodist Church are not of one mind on the issue of ordination of LGBTQ individuals, and that our Judicial Council has issued multiple rulings regarding ordination and the definition of “self-avowed, practicing homosexuals” that create further ambiguity. We therefore affirm the right and responsibility of all Board members to engage in holy conferencing during deliberations and to vote their conscience following a fair examination of all candidates.
Pertinent BoD paragraphs: 140, 161(F), 162(J), 304.3, 341.6, 2702.1
Pertinent BoR Resolutions: 2041, 2042
Pertinent Judicial Council rulings: 1263, 1262,1244, 1218, 1027, 980, 944, 920,
---------------------
"Reconciling Ministries Network releases 'A Season of Becoming' Lenten Devotional for Individual and Church Distribution" of Chicago, Illinois, United States for Thursday, 4 February 2016 - An inclusive spiritual resource for your Lenten journeyA Season of Becoming
Reconciling Ministries Network is thrilled to make available this inclusive daily Lenten devotional for your spiritual nourishment this upcoming season.
Featuring 47 diverse voices from across the movement, A Season of Becoming: Restoring and being restored for the transformation of the church and world is comprised of poetry, prayers, and personal reflections based on the daily lectionary readings.
As the season of Lent draws near, we are invited into a period of self-reflection, preparation, and spiritual growth as we engage in the holy work of becoming. The Spirit moves through this season to free us from that which binds our growth as we are drawn more deeply into the truth of who we are, into the possibilities of who we can become, and of the justice we are called to seek together.
RMN hopes this daily devotional will offer you spiritual nourishment and restoration as we prepare our hearts for General Conference this May where the global denomination will meet to make choices about who we are going to be as a church for the next four years.
Downloads are available for individual and congregational distribution atrmnetwork.org/lent
Get your own copy of A Season of Becoming
-----------------------
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Reconciling Ministries Network
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---------------------
"I'm afraid of what will happen if they send us back to Guatemala" Hilda Ramirez via Groundswell of Auburn Theological Seminary of New York, New York, United States for Monday, 22 February 2016
I'm fighting to stop my deportation and all unjust deportations - join me.
Click here to add your name to our petition.
I left Guatemala with my 9-year-old son to escape violence and poverty. But now the Dept. of Homeland Security is targeting families like mine in deportation raids to send us back. I've taken Sanctuary at St. Andrews in Austin to fight my deportation, and all unjust raids and deportations.
My name is Hilda, and last year, I traveled to the United States from Guatemala with my 8-year-old son, Ivan.
I left because I could no longer live with the violence that's overtaken my home country - the constant fear that my son and I would be targeted by ruthless gang members. But when we arrived seeking asylum, instead of finding help, the United States imprisoned us in a family detention center.
For 11 months, my son and I lived in inhumane conditions. So I joined more than 70 immigrant moms in a hunger strike to protest our incarceration, and the unjust detention of thousands of refugee families like mine.1 Eventually, I was released with an ankle monitor.
But now, the Department of Homeland Security has started targeting Central American families in a surge of unjust raids and deportations. Over 120 people have already been detained, and 77 of them were immediately deported.2 I am afraid of what will happen if they send me and Ivan back to Guatemala.
So I have made the decision to enter into Sanctuary at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas to fight my deportation with the help of a legal team, and the love and action of people of faith and moral courage - like you.
Will you sign the petition Pastor Jim Rigby started asking the Obama administration to stop my deportation order, and the unjust raids and deportations of Central American families like mine?
Pastor Jim says, "Sanctuary is a place where God's love and protection is a living reality. Our faith demands that we treat refugees as neighbors. Our faith demands that we open our doors, even when others are shutting theirs."
St. Andrews is walking in the footsteps of over 300 courageous congregations who are part of the Sanctuary Movement, standing in solidarity with individuals and families like mine, who traveled to the United States in search of refuge. I am proud to be part of this faithful movement of resistance.
Will you stand with us and tell ICE you demand an end to the raids and deportation of my family and my community?
With gratitude and hope,
Hilda
P.S. Click here to watch the video of our press conference at St. Andrews Church.
[1] "Mothers held at Texas detention centre go on hunger strike to demand release," The Guardian. April 1, 2015.
[2] "U.S. authorities begin raids, taking 121 illegal immigrants into custody over the weekend," The Washington Post. Jan. 4, 2016.
---------------------
GROUNDSWELL "VIDEO: Sanctuary is working. Here’s how you can support." of Auburn Theological Seminary of New York, New York, United States - Rev. Alison Harrington via Groundswell for Monday, 22 February 2016
Dear Friends,
Last week, we celebrated a Sanctuary victory!
Jose Gastelum-Torres made the courageous decision to resist his deportation order to keep from being separated from his wife Arlene and their two sons.
On January 7, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada opened their doors to welcome Jose into private Sanctuary, and just four days later he was granted a stay of removal.1
Sanctuary is working, and our movement of faith and resistance must continue to grow.
I have been so moved by how many of you reached out asking what else you can do after signing the petition to stop the raids!
So we’ve put the information from our Sanctuary webinar into a two-minute video with 3 action steps – take a look.
Over 121 people were apprehended in the raids earlier this month, 77 of whom have been deported. Fortunately, 33 mothers and children were able to get a stay of removal due to the excellent legal support of CARA.2 But now we’re hearing reports that the Department of Homeland Security plans to target unaccompanied children next.
With your support, we can continue to push forward as a movement to stop the raids, to stop the deportations of people like Jose, and to shelter women and children in need of Sanctuary.
Click here to watch the two-minute video, and please share it with friends, family, and your local faith leaders.
With gratitude and hope,
Rev. Alison Harrington
Pastor, Southside Presbyterian Church
P.S. We’re planning a big petition delivery in front of the White House in February. Stay tuned for details!
[1] “Reno church joins growing immigrant Sanctuary Movement,” Reno Gazette-Journal. Jan. 19, 2016.
[2] “CARA Family Detention Pro Bono Project Succeeds in Winning Stays of Deportation of Four Mothers and Their Children Recently Rounded-Up by ICE,” Yubanet.com. Jan. 6, 2016.---------------------
"I'm afraid of what will happen if they send us back to Guatemala" Hilda Ramirez via Groundswell of Auburn Theological Seminary of New York, New York, United States for Monday, 22 February 2016
I'm fighting to stop my deportation and all unjust deportations - join me.
Click here to add your name to our petition.
I left Guatemala with my 9-year-old son to escape violence and poverty. But now the Dept. of Homeland Security is targeting families like mine in deportation raids to send us back. I've taken Sanctuary at St. Andrews in Austin to fight my deportation, and all unjust raids and deportations.
My name is Hilda, and last year, I traveled to the United States from Guatemala with my 8-year-old son, Ivan.
I left because I could no longer live with the violence that's overtaken my home country - the constant fear that my son and I would be targeted by ruthless gang members. But when we arrived seeking asylum, instead of finding help, the United States imprisoned us in a family detention center.
For 11 months, my son and I lived in inhumane conditions. So I joined more than 70 immigrant moms in a hunger strike to protest our incarceration, and the unjust detention of thousands of refugee families like mine.1 Eventually, I was released with an ankle monitor.
But now, the Department of Homeland Security has started targeting Central American families in a surge of unjust raids and deportations. Over 120 people have already been detained, and 77 of them were immediately deported.2 I am afraid of what will happen if they send me and Ivan back to Guatemala.
So I have made the decision to enter into Sanctuary at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas to fight my deportation with the help of a legal team, and the love and action of people of faith and moral courage - like you.
Will you sign the petition Pastor Jim Rigby started asking the Obama administration to stop my deportation order, and the unjust raids and deportations of Central American families like mine?
Pastor Jim says, "Sanctuary is a place where God's love and protection is a living reality. Our faith demands that we treat refugees as neighbors. Our faith demands that we open our doors, even when others are shutting theirs."
St. Andrews is walking in the footsteps of over 300 courageous congregations who are part of the Sanctuary Movement, standing in solidarity with individuals and families like mine, who traveled to the United States in search of refuge. I am proud to be part of this faithful movement of resistance.
Will you stand with us and tell ICE you demand an end to the raids and deportation of my family and my community?
With gratitude and hope,
Hilda
P.S. Click here to watch the video of our press conference at St. Andrews Church.
[1] "Mothers held at Texas detention centre go on hunger strike to demand release," The Guardian. April 1, 2015.
[2] "U.S. authorities begin raids, taking 121 illegal immigrants into custody over the weekend," The Washington Post. Jan. 4, 2016.
---------------------
GROUNDSWELL "VIDEO: Sanctuary is working. Here’s how you can support." of Auburn Theological Seminary of New York, New York, United States - Rev. Alison Harrington via Groundswell for Monday, 22 February 2016
Dear Friends,
Last week, we celebrated a Sanctuary victory!
Jose Gastelum-Torres made the courageous decision to resist his deportation order to keep from being separated from his wife Arlene and their two sons.
On January 7, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada opened their doors to welcome Jose into private Sanctuary, and just four days later he was granted a stay of removal.1
Sanctuary is working, and our movement of faith and resistance must continue to grow.
I have been so moved by how many of you reached out asking what else you can do after signing the petition to stop the raids!
So we’ve put the information from our Sanctuary webinar into a two-minute video with 3 action steps – take a look.
Over 121 people were apprehended in the raids earlier this month, 77 of whom have been deported. Fortunately, 33 mothers and children were able to get a stay of removal due to the excellent legal support of CARA.2 But now we’re hearing reports that the Department of Homeland Security plans to target unaccompanied children next.
With your support, we can continue to push forward as a movement to stop the raids, to stop the deportations of people like Jose, and to shelter women and children in need of Sanctuary.
Click here to watch the two-minute video, and please share it with friends, family, and your local faith leaders.
With gratitude and hope,
Rev. Alison Harrington
Pastor, Southside Presbyterian Church
P.S. We’re planning a big petition delivery in front of the White House in February. Stay tuned for details!
[1] “Reno church joins growing immigrant Sanctuary Movement,” Reno Gazette-Journal. Jan. 19, 2016.
[2] “CARA Family Detention Pro Bono Project Succeeds in Winning Stays of Deportation of Four Mothers and Their Children Recently Rounded-Up by ICE,” Yubanet.com. Jan. 6, 2016.---------------------
Auburn Theological Seminary
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1800
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1800
New York, New York 10115, United States
---------------------
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