On March 31st, which is the halfway point for Federal Fiscal Year 2018, the U.S. will have resettled less than 10,000 refugees out of the 45,000 refugees the Administration has set as the goal for this year. Current projections show that at this pace the U.S. may resettle the lowest annual number of refugees in the history of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. It is critical that people of faith speak out to decry this record-low number of refugee arrivals and to support the continuation of refugee resettlement.

The Episcopal Church has long-standing policies in support of refugees passed by General Convention, and through Episcopal Migration Ministries the Church serves as one of the refugee resettlement agencies that partners with the federal government to welcome refugees.

As our world watches the worst global refugee and displacement crisis continue, and we reflect on our call to treat every human being with dignity and respect, we are compelled to demonstrate our commitment to refugee welcome and protection. Below are several opportunities for engagement:

Faith leaders and faith groups can sign on to a letter calling on the administration to resettle at least 45,000 refugees this fiscal year and commit to resettle at least 75,000 refugees in FY 2019. Faith leader letter sign on: Click here and Faith-based organizations sign on: Click here

Support Episcopal Migration Ministries by contributing to Gifts for Welcome or listening to their podcast, Hometown.

Join the March 28th National Call-In Day: Call your 2 Senators and 1 Representative on March 28th and urge them to do everything in their power to hold the administration accountable to resettle at least 45,000 refugees in 2018. A sample call script is available here.

Host a #WhereRtheRefugees Public Witness Event: Click here to learn more about how to use interfaith vigils, press conferences, actions, foot washing ceremonies, and other events to escalate pressure on our national leaders.

Schedule an In-District Meeting: Members of Congress will be on recess and in their home districts from March 26th to April 6th. Click here for tips on scheduling an in-district meeting during recess.

Write an Op-Ed or LTE: Show your support for refugee resettlement by writing for a local or national publication. You can find sample Op-Eds and LTEs here.

Amplify on Social Media: You can tweet at your Members of Congress or post on Facebook. Some sample social media posts are available here.

Sign Up to Attend Love God, Love Neighbor, a multi day training hosted by Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Office of Government Relations. This training is designed to equip Episcopalians to become allies, ambassadors, and advocates for refugees. The next training will be held May 2-4 in Atlanta, GA. Learn more and register here.