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St. James

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Dear Clergy and People of Central New York,

You are hopefully aware of the crisis of children and families showing up at our borders as they flee the cultures of violence in parts of Central America. This has sparked a controversy in Syracuse as the Mayor has opened our doors to provide temporary housing for two to three hundred of the children. Some believe that we should not do so. I have written a letter to the editor of the Syracuse Post Standard in support of Mayor Miner.

I have been in conversation over the last week with some of our friends in El Salvador regarding this issue, particularly in my role as a member of the Board of Trustees of Cristosal, a faith-based human rights organization in El Salvador. I have come to understand more fully the human rights issues underlying this crisis. Although it tends to be wrapped up in the complex language of immigration, I believe that the children are more accurately described as refugees. They flee the culture of gang violence taught and exported by US gangs as well as the weaponry supplied from the US. They long for a place of safety. Please go to the Cristosal website for more information.

Some have argued that the need of local people should be attended first. I understand the concern, but I believe this is not an either/or issue. Jesus taught us in Scripture that all are our neighbor and we set no limits on our compassion. We are to respond to folks in need wherever they may be found. God has no borders and we who follow Jesus are open to his presence in God's people whenever they stand before us (see Matthew 25:35). We can do no less.

I encourage all of you in your congregations to engage the complex issues of immigration reform and the current refugee crisis from a faith perspective. Please place these concerns in the Prayers of the People as you gather for worship. To do so helps us to continue to live into our vision "To be the passionate presence of Christ for one another and the world we are called to serve."

Blessings and peace in Christ,
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The Rt. Rev. Gladstone B. Adams III
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Central New York

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    St. James Episcopal Church
    9 Williams Str
    eet • Clinton, New York 13323  • 315 853 5359
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