My name is Sowdo
My name is Sergio
My name is Sadiki
My name is Linda
Fundamental to the creation of Beloved Community is inclusiveness. Fundamental to inclusiveness is learning each other’s names.
In Exodus 3, God calls Moses by name. And when Moses considers approaching the Israelites with a message from God, he is certain that the Israelites will ask, “What is his name?”
Our name represents our identity…our humanity…our significance.
If I take the time to learn your name, I care about you as an individual. I want to connect with you as a child of God.
This week, can you commit to learning the names of your neighbors?
Can you commit to learning the names of people you meet in the grocery story or at the bank?
Can you commit to learning names of refugees and immigrants living in your community?
For, as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King reminds us, “It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opponents into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men.”
It is this spirit that will enable us to begin to create the Beloved Community we long for.
Let us start by learning each other’s’ names.
Through Episcopal Migration Ministries, Episcopalians have the opportunity work toward creation of the Beloved Community in tangible, meaningful ways.
Each year, Episcopal Migration Ministries welcomes more than 5,000 refugees to communities across the United States. Through a growing network of local organizations, dioceses, churches and individual volunteers, Episcopal Migration Ministries accompanies every refugee from their first moments in the U.S., starting with a welcoming greeting at the airport and following up with immediate, personalized assistance with translation, food, clothing, housing, education, mental health support, medical services, job training and community orientation.
You can be a part of this life-saving, life-giving ministry. Here’s how:
- Get to know refugees and immigrants already living in your community. Volunteer to teach cultural orientation, English classes or to help new Americans learn your community. Contact an EMM affiliate or another local resettlement agency to find out more.
- Sponsor a drive for clothing or personal items needed by refugees in your area, based on recommendations from your local resettlement agency.
- Contact local and statewide leaders to let them know you support refugee resettlement in the United States and in your community. The Episcopal Public Policy Network offers ways for you to be engaged in advocacy here: http://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/RefugeeAdvocacy.
- World Refugee Day is June 20. Host or participate in a World Refugee Day event.
Visit our website to find out of there is an Episcopal Migration Ministries affiliate resettlement agency near you and to get more information about this vital ministry of The Episcopal Church.
www.episcopalchurch.org/emm
This is the third installment of the EPPN’s Lenten Series “Engaging the Beloved Community.” You may find the previous reflections here. If you would like to have each week’s reflection sent to your inbox, go here.