by the Rev. Tom Hampson

The Immigration Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin (also known as SJRAISE, San Joaquin Refugee and Immigrant Support and Empowerment) educates about, allies with, and advocates for the diverse immigrant communities of the Central Valley of California.  Since its creation by unanimous action of the 2017 Diocesan Convention, our programs have sought to equip and animate congregations to be agents of immigrant justice. 

 Even with the weight of COVID, the Spirit has been strong among us. We hope this model – and the stories and resources we’ve captured at www.sjraise.org – will inspire people across The Episcopal Church. 

Immigration Month:  Last year the diocese set aside the Sunday nearest June 22 (World Refugee Day) as Immigrant Sunday. SJRAISE planned a month of activities leading up to Immigrant Sunday.    

• Bible Study: Four online Wednesday Bible studies exploring teachings on immigration with the help of “No Longer Strangers,” a resource developed by Episcopal Migration Ministries and Forward Movement.  The experience was amplified by four guest speakers: Allison Duval (Episcopal Migration Ministries), Bianca Duenas (immigration attorney with California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation), Bishop David Rice, and Lety Valencia (director of organizing for Faith in the Valley).   
• Clergy Resources: SJRAISE also created a web-based array of resources for clergy to incorporate immigration into their worship and sermons.  

Immigration and Climate Change Film:  SJRAISE supported by British photojournalist Sean Hawkey’s new documentary video on the drivers of immigration, especially climate change.  We also hosted a webinar with Sean regarding his two-month journey accompanying migrants from Central America to the U.S. border in the summer of 2021, in collaboration with the diocesan Creation Care and Racial Justice commissions.  

Las Posadas:  With diocesan Latino Ministries, SJRAISE supported three Las Posadas celebrations in Bakersfield, Fresno, and Lodi, helping communities to commemorate Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  We also used that opportunity to highlight “Uncaged Art,” a movable exhibit that features reproductions of art created by children held at the Tornillo Detention Center in Texas.  This brief, inspiring video introduces the project.  

Advocacy:  SJRAISE promoted participation in the annual Day of the Immigrant, sponsored by the California Immigrant Policy Center.  Representatives of SJRAISE traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for immigration reform and regularly lift up urgent federal immigration policy in collaboration with the Episcopal Public Policy Network. 

Wrapped in Love Quilt Project:  Members of one of our congregations made 87 lap quilts and shipped them to Cruzando Fronteras, a program to assist immigrants run by the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona.  

Collaboration with International Rescue Committee (IRC):  As the flow of Afghan refugees into the San Joaquin Valley increases, SJRAISE is exploring ways to provide support to these vulnerable families through IRC, the principal agency resettling refugees in our diocese.  

Communications: Our monthly SJRAISE newsletter continues to be a valuable resource to folks within the diocese and beyond.  You can subscribe here.  

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The Rev. Tom Hampson serves as a deacon at The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist in Lodi, California. He also chairs the Immigration Commission for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin (www.sjraise.org).