The Episcopal Church recognizes that, “human migration has always been part of the human condition.” As Christians, we remember the call in both Hebrew and Christian Scriptures to welcome the stranger, building stronger and more diverse community: “You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19) and “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me; …. Truly I tell you, just as you did it to the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25: 35, 40).

At this challenging moment for our nation and for countries and peoples around the globe, we continue to stand by Christian principles, including the fundamental human rights of all people and the importance of family unity. We stand by these principles even during times of crisis and understandable anxiety and pray for all those who are separated from their families, who are struggling to make a new home for themselves, and who, like all of us, are uncertain what the future holds. May we as a nation exercise wisdom in the decisions we make that affect individuals, families, and communities.

More Information

Full Text: Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak
Advocacy Resources on Migration, Refugees and Immigration
Government and Advocacy Resources on COVID-19
Episcopal Migration Ministries