This summer was a time of increasing awareness across the church and the country about the plight of vulnerable migrants. As Episcopal Migration Ministries launched its year-long #ShareTheJourney campaign the week of World Refugee Day (June 20), the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees released sobering statistics: For the first time since World War II, there are more than 50 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. With violent conflicts, the rise of extremism, gang-related violence and exploitation, and prolonged refugee crises across the globe, the world is crying out for help. This is where we have a role to play, we who proclaim Easter, we who proclaim the triumph of life over death.
Jesus read: “‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor … to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ … Then he said, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing’” [Luke 4:16-21, paraphrased].
How is this scripture fulfilled today, in our own time? What does it look like, this proclamation of hope?
It looks like the members of this church, partnering with EMM’s local affiliate offices, who welcome refugees and vulnerable migrants to this country every day. It looks like the congregation that co-sponsors a refugee family, like the church that offers space for English classes. It looks like the undergraduate who tutors a refugee student, like the ECW or youth group that organizes a coat drive for refugees arriving in the coldest months.
Tell us, how do you proclaim the reign of hope? How do you #ShareTheJourney?