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Episcopal Migration Ministries resettles its 100,000th refugee

December 9, 2021

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Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM)—one of nine national agencies responsible for resettling refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders in partnership with the U.S. government—is pleased to announce the welcome and resettlement of 100,000 individuals since EMM was formally established in the 1980s.

“We mark this milestone with much thanksgiving and gratitude for all who have partnered with our dedicated staff in this vital ministry of serving our global neighbors forced to flee their homes in search of safety and security,” said Demetrio Alvero, operations director for EMM. “Jesus exhorted us to love our neighbors—as he demonstrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan, we do this through intentional, loving, and practical care of others’ needs.”

As the refugee resettlement and migration ministry of The Episcopal Church, EMM has 11 affiliate offices in 9 states. In addition to the work of welcome and integration of newcomers, EMM is also the church’s convening place for collaboration, education, and information-sharing on migration.

The Episcopal Church has served immigrants to the U.S. since the late 1800s, when the church opened port chaplaincy programs to minister to sojourners. In the 1930s, local parishes collected donations to provide steamship passage for those fleeing Nazi Europe.

From those early efforts, the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief began, the forerunner to Episcopal Relief & Development and EMM. In the mid- and late 20th century, the church partnered with other faith organizations to resettle those oppressed by the Iron Curtain and the genocides of Southeast Asia.

In his upcoming annual Christmas video message, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry plans to highlight an iconic poster produced by the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio in 1938, titled “In the Name of These Refugees—Aid All Refugees,” that depicts the holy family fleeing to Egypt.

“Christmas stories are reminders that Jesus came to show us how to love as God loves,” Curry says. “One of the ways we love as God loves is to help those who are refugees, those who seek asylum from political tyranny, poverty, famine, or other hardship. … Ministries like Episcopal Migration Ministries, the work of this church, have helped to resettle some 100,000 refugees as of December 2021. That work goes on. … In the name of these refugees, let us help all refugees.”

Since August, EMM has been actively involved in the Afghan humanitarian crisis that unfolded when the Taliban took control of the country and thousands fled their homeland. In November, EMM learned it had received two major grants to support its work with Afghan refugees as well as other asylum seekers.

“For more than 80 years, long before the United States established the formal refugee resettlement program, Episcopal congregations and dioceses have been welcoming those seeking safety and protection,” said the Rev. C. K. Robertson, canon to the presiding bishop for ministry beyond The Episcopal Church.

Learn more: Those interested in learning more about EMM’s work and how to get involved can find information and resources at episcopalmigrationministries.org. Sign up for the EMM newsletter or Weekly News Digest here.

Afghan Allies Fund: Those interested in helping with the urgent need for housing assistance for Afghan allies arriving in the U.S. can find donation information online.

Volunteer/sponsor: Those interested in volunteer opportunities or community sponsorship to support Afghan allies can fill out this interest form.

Information for Afghan nationals about resettlement efforts is available here.

To directly support EMM and its life-changing work, visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give, or text “EMM” to 41444 (standard messaging and data may rates apply).