Siblings in Christ,
The activities that continue to be carried out throughout the Denver metro area by federal agents targeting our immigrant neighbors have generated an enormous amount of consternation. Some of us worry whether they may come for us or a family member. Others worry whether their friend or member from their home church will be affected by this.
As Christians, our faith is full of foundational stories from our holy scriptures that compel us to “treat the global citizen staying with you like the native-born among you…” (Leviticus 19:34a), and to center our lives on Jesus of Nazareth, who together with his family lived in exile in a foreign land due to political persecution (Matthew 2:13-15). We join in the outrage shared by many as these Biblical truths are ignored in the name of something other than God’s call to love our neighbors. Our feelings and reactions to these policies and actions stem from the deep love we have towards our neighbors and loved ones who are most affected by them. Our faith and our love for one another move us to do something in response and bear witness to a God who welcomes all.
As a presbytery, we continue to seek ways to equip churches, leaders and families to be prepared, and to support each other. We will continue to share resources, information, and explore other avenues that can provide constructive support to our immigrant neighbors. We have compiled many of these resources on our website and encourage you to familiarize yourself with them. We will aim to keep it as updated as possible with relevant information. You can access the website HERE. We also encourage you to stay tuned to presbytery communications as we plan on having information sessions for churches and leaders soon.
We are mindful of how our need or desire to help may not be as constructive as we think it may be. During times like these, there are a great amount of rumors that are shared through conversation or social media. The origin of some of these rumors may be coming from sources wanting to cause confusion and raise anxiety.
Sharing unconfirmed or false information can prove to be extremely dangerous for the most vulnerable. It may draw unnecessary attention to them, or reach someone that may want to cause harm. Therefore, we strongly urge everyone to use discernment and wisdom when receiving this information, especially if you are considering sharing it with others. Additionally, be mindful of using social media and other mediums to share and/or communicate with individuals, as many mediums are not secure.
We are also very aware of the toll these activities take on the families that are affected, and the faith leaders on the frontlines supporting them. We know many of them personally and definitely want to provide support. Even if you feel the need to reach out to them upon hearing news that may affect them, rest assured the best immediate action that we can take is prayer. There is a lot on their plates, especially during heightened activity. Though “simple,” prayer would provide more support to leaders and families being affected than a phone call inquiring for information.
Rest assured that if and when there is information to be shared, the presbytery will do its best to share it appropriately. We will do our best to keep you apprised of changes or challenges. However, to protect those we care about, we can not and will not be sharing out regular updates.
There are many ways to provide constructive and supportive solidarity to our vulnerable neighbors. Whether called to protest, calling or writing letters to elected officials, donating funds to supportive organizations, sharing information about immigrant rights, or praying, we encourage that it is done in a spirit of solidarity and trust that God is, and will continue to be, with us.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper
Lead Presbyter
Rev. gretchen Sausville
Stated Clerk
Rev. Fernando Rodríguez
Associate Presbyter