June 2019
To The Editor:
The way in which we treat refugees, immigrants, and visitors is a matter of faith. Care of “the stranger” and the ministry of hospitality are central to the activity of the people of God. Immigration laws and policies must uphold the human dignity of every person, as every person embodies value and worth in the eyes of God. We strongly oppose the separation of immigrant children from their families and loved ones, and further oppose the placement of these children at Ft. Sill Army Post in Lawton, OK.
We are alarmed at the notion that the separation of children is so prominent additional housing is necessary at a U.S. military installation. As faith leaders in Oklahoma, we stand opposed to this practice and call upon our government officials to correct course immediately, and stop separating vulnerable families.
Additionally, we are keenly aware of the history of internment at Ft. Sill Army Post. Beginning with the Apache people and including Japanese Americans during World War II. We cannot stand silent as this history is repeated with innocent children who will, no doubt, incur trauma and life-altering consequences at this harmful experience.
We call on the members of our constituent churches to reach out to their elected officials to express opposition to such a decision and to pray for the government of this nation; to reflect on biblical texts dealing with immigrants and refugees (e.g., Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 24:17-21; Isaiah 1:17; Matthew 25:34-40; Ephesians 2:11-13; and Hebrews 13:2); and to do all they can in their own local communities to build bridges of love and understanding between diverse religious and cultural groups within our society. We especially call on everyone to stand against all acts of hatred, violence, and discrimination and to stand withthose who are discriminated against.
Sincerely,
The Rev. Shannon M. Fleck
Executive Director
Oklahoma Conference of Churches
The Rev. Dale Assink
Regional Minister, Synod of the Heartland Reformed Church in America
The Rev. Dr. Bobby Best
Bishop, Ninth Episcopal District Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. Tim Blodgett
*General Presbyter
Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery Presbyterian Church, USA
The Rev. Dr. B. Gordon Edwards
*Executive Presbyter Cimarron Presbytery Presbyterian Church, USA
Dr. Edith Guffey
Conference Minister Kansas-Oklahoma Conference United Church of Christ
Bishop Mildred B. Hines
Bishop, Southwestern Delta Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
The Rev. Pamela Holt
Regional Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma
The Most Rev. David Konderla
Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
The Rev. Heidi Regier Kreider
Conference Minister, Western District Conference
Mennonite Church USA
Rex Friend
Religious Society of Friends
The Rev. Michael Girlinghouse
Bishop, Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Rev. Dr. Stephen D. Graham
Coordinator, Cooperating Baptist Fellowship of Oklahoma
The Rev. Calvin Miller
State President
Progressive Oklahoma Baptist State
Convention
The Rt. Rev. Michael L. Mitchell
Presiding Bishop, Twelfth Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. James G. Nunn
Bishop, Oklahoma Conference of the
United Methodist Church and the Oklahoma
Indian Missionary Conference
The Rev. Vernon Sansom
*Stated Clerk
Red River Presbytery, Cumberland Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Robert Wise
Archbishop, Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches
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CapitolBeatOK welcomes letters to the editor. All submissions should be no more than 400 words and e-mailed to editor@capitolbeatok.com. Please include a contact phone number for verification purposes. All letters are subject to editing. Letters to the editor will remain posted for one week at the editor’s discretion.