The United Church of Christ, along with four-dozen other faith-based organizations joined with Church World Service (CWS) to sign on to its Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge, a public statement against policies and actions that threaten refugee rights, separate families, and undermine the long-standing tradition of humanitarian support. With 45 initial signers, including CWS’ Covenant Members, this declaration is more than a statement—it is a solemn and unshakable commitment by religious leaders and organizations to stand against policies that endanger refugees and immigrants.
At a time when the United States faces defining choices about its treatment of the displaced and persecuted, this powerful declaration is a collective stand for justice. It calls on all people of faith to root their advocacy in scripture and directly challenges political leaders to remember that America’s identity is inseparable from its immigrant history. The way the nation treats its most vulnerable will not only shape communities at home but will define the country’s moral standing in the global arena.
Following the administration’s executive orders that oppose the proud American tradition of welcome, directives to abdicate our leadership around the world, and enactment of policies that keep families separated, the Declaration says:
Together in faith and rooted in love, we resolve to continue in the centuries-old practice of Christian communities walking alongside refugees and immigrants in their pursuit of safety and dignity. We pledge to restore and promote hospitality and welcome to those seeking refuge – regardless of where they are from, how they pray or what language they speak.
Guided by our faith, we stand together against the sweeping measures that are devastating vulnerable families and jeopardizing their futures. These actions not only cause immediate harm but also threaten our country’s long-term ability to welcome and support those in need. We grieve for the families who have been torn apart, had years-long reunification plans cancelled, been detained and deported, have been unjustly blocked from accessing asylum protections, and have been left without access to the basic assistance they need to thrive.
Joined by CWS’ Covenant Members and faith leaders and communities across the country, this declaration comes at a time of uncertainty for the United States Refugee Admissions Program.
Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President/CEO of the United Church of Christ added: “The ministry and work of Christian communities to welcome the stranger and protect those who are vulnerable is grounded in biblical teaching. Decades-long federal support for these commitments was abandoned by the new administration which has traded welcome for hostility, taking actions that increase vulnerability rather than offer relief.”
Thompson further said: “The United Church of Christ joins this ecumenical declaration affirming historic and ongoing faith commitments that ensure all are welcome. In the season of Lent that is before us, may we hear anew Christ’s call to love our neighbor and be moved to act in love for the welcome of all.”
The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge is issued today with the support of CWS’ Covenant Members, individual faith leaders and congregations, and organizations, including National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; AME Zion Church; Catholic Legal Immigration Network; The Episcopal Church; Friends United Meeting; Latino Christian National Network; Mennonite Central Committee US; Sojourners; and World Relief.
The Declaration is open for signatures through Lent. Click here to sign.