Friends,
This week, I will be traveling to Washington, DC, along with other representatives from FOR to further our efforts to advocate on behalf of Syrian refugees and counter Islamophobia.
Unfortunately, the House Homeland Security Committee continues to conflate terrorism, refugee status and Middle Eastern origin. In its published rationale for a hearing this Wednesday, the committee has this to say:
"Terrorists have continually exploited weaknesses in our nation's visa and refugee process as a means to gain access to the country. From 9/11 to San Bernardino and the recent case of Iraqi refugees in Houston and California, it is clear that government officials must do more to prevent terrorists from exploiting American hospitality. This hearing will explore ways to further strengthen visa and refugee security."
This equating of refugees and terrorism must end.
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Pillowcase designed by a member of Bainbridge Islanders for Inclusion.
Members of the multi-faith Community of Living Traditions (CLT) with some of the 150 pillowcases they're silkscreening.
James, a formerly homeless veteran in Ashville, NC, at an event hosted by Be Loved Community.
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On Thursday, Feb. 4, an FOR interfaith delegation will meet with a senior staffer of Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. We will be carrying #GiveRefugeesRest pillowcases and letters signed by dozens of members from the Rock Valley chapter of FOR -- Ryan's district, based in Janesville, WI -- requesting that Speaker Ryan take leadership to respond to the Syrian refugee crisis with support and compassion.
The delegation is being led by FOR National Council vice chair Sahar Alsahlani (New York), Director of National Organizing Ethan Vesely-Flad (North Carolina), and me (California). We are honored to be bringing works of protest art -- #GiveRefugeesRest pillowcases -- from our various home states and all over the country, as well as the letters from Wisconsin.
Then on Friday, Feb. 5, we will meet with an interfaith gathering of religious leaders at the United Methodist Church building, directly across from the Capitol and Supreme Court buildings, to discuss a unified approach to the Syrian refugee crisis. The meeting is organized by the Christian Peace Circle, which includes Pax Christi, Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, Episcopal Peace Fellowship, Baptist Peace Fellowship, Sojourners, and staff of several denominational offices, among other groups. Several strategies are being considered for a coordinated response culminating with an action plan to respond to the suffering of some of the most vulnerable among us.
We will keep you informed about the results of each of these efforts.
Meanwhile, we welcome your prayers and your continued support of our campaign to #GiveRefugeesRest.
In peace and gratitude,
 Rev. Kristin Stoneking
Executive Director
Fellowship of Reconciliation
P.S. Please read some recent essays in support of the #GiveRefugeesRest campaign -- and share with your friends! |
