Immigration

Both the Diocese of North Carolina and the broader Episcopal Church have consistently supported compassionate, comprehensive immigration reform that respects the dignity of individuals, the sanctity of families and our scriptural mandate to care for the strangers among us. This collection of resources is designed to explain the Diocese’s and the Episcopal Church’s stances on immigration and immigration reform and to provide resources for better understanding the complex issue surrounding immigration and how our scriptural tradition sheds light on those issues. These resources are appropriate for both individual use and use in a Christian formation class.

NO LONGER STRANGERS

Forward Movement invites individuals and congregations to explore the difficult but important issues of migration and immigration in No Longer Strangers: Exploring Immigration Issues.

The downloadable booklet encourages discussion of migration and immigration through the lens of scripture and shared Christian values, presents opposing viewpoints, and invites people to talk about the issues with civility and respect. The booklet includes biblical references on hospitality, examples of migrations as they appear in the scriptures, and thought-provoking questions that can be used for both personal study and group discussion.

No Longer Strangers was developed by Forward Movement in consultation with staff from Episcopal Migrations Ministries and the Office of Government Relations of the Episcopal Church. Download the booklet in English or Spanish.

RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE DIOCESE OF NORTH CAROLINA

• On Reduced Enforcement of Immigration, On the DREAM Act, On Openness to Immigrants (Acts 2017-5, 2017-6, 2017-7, 202nd Annual Convention, 2017)
• In Support of Both the DREAM Act and Comprehensive Immigration Reform (Res. 197.3, 197th Annual Convention, Jan. 2013)

PASTORAL STATEMENTS

• Diocesan Statement on Sanctuary (May 2017)

VIDEO RESOURCES

• Interview with Katie Conway, TEC’s Immigration and Refugee Policy Analyst
• Interview with Mauricio Castro, North Carolina Latino Coalition, about North Carolinians’ support for comprehensive immigration reform
• Interview with Chris Liu-Beers, Immigration Specialist with the NC Council of Churches

STATEMENTS AND RESOLUTIONS FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

• Resolutions passed at 78th General Convention (full list) (June 2015)
• Support Permanent Birth Right Citizenship (Res. 2015-D069, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
• Support Dominicans of Haitian Descent (Res. 2015-D058, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
• Support Immigration Actions for Youth and Parents (Res. 2015-D048, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
• Urge Partnerships to Support Immigrant Families (Res. 2015-D077, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
• Urge Church-Wide Assistance to Undocumented Persons (Res. 2015-D079, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
• Support Human Rights and Refugee Relief in Central America (Res. 2015-D033, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
• Extend Temporary Protective Status to Immigrants Fleeing Abuse (Res. 2015-D074, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
• The Episcopal Church’s Testimony to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee (Feb. 13, 2014)

OTHER RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY

• A sample program design, Immigration in the U. S. through the Lens of Faith, is available for download with suggestions on creating either Christian formation sessions or a day-long workshop.
• Resource Libraries for Immigration and Immigration Reform
• Comprehensive Immigration Reform Advocacy Toolkit (from The Episcopal Church)
• Resources from the North Carolina Council of Churches
• Interfaith Immigration Coalition
• List of immigration resources (annotated)
• Migration Policy Institute (MPI) brief on Executive Order (Jan. 2017)