The images this summer of children being torn from their families at the US-Mexico border rendered our hearts and called us to action.

Dear Congregation,

I want to share with you an opportunity for action that was presented to those of us attending the Florida Conference Annual Gathering last week.  Keynote Presenter, The Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, President of the Pacific School of Religion, let us know of action we can take as concerned individuals. I have already posted my comments and invite you to join me. Here is the information he shared.

Help us get to 100,000 comments to protect the rights and well-being of familiesThe images this summer of children being torn from their families at the US-Mexico border rendered our hearts and called us to action.  As I shared at the plenary session, a similarly cruel and immoral policy is being proposed that threatens the well-being of millions immigrant families, including their US Citizen children.  Because it is not as visually appalling as taking children from their parent’s arms, the new Public Charge Rule will not grab headlines; however, if implemented, its impact on vulnerable families can be just as devastating and demands a similar upswelling of resistance.  But we can stop this— take a few moments to be one of the 100,000 to speak up and demand this not be implemented.

What is at stake
Immigrant families that use benefits they are already eligible for in order to make ends meet — children’s health insurance, housing support, and nutrition programs— could be denied the opportunity to obtain a “green card” or enter the U.S. from abroad. Our nation’s well-being depends on the ability of families to provide for the basic needs for their kids.  No family should be forced to choose between caring for their children and securing the opportunity to be with them as they become adults.

What we can do
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s proposal to expand “public charge” is a blatant attempt to rig our immigration system against community members who are low-income or have disabilities.  But you can help stop it from being implemented.  The proposed rule must go through a period of public comment before becoming policy.  We need every person of conscience to flood the Department of Homeland Security with comments opposing this immoral measure.

  1. Help us reach 100,000 comments nationwide. The best way to fight back is to submit comments to DHS about why this rule is a bad idea.  Take a few moments to visit www.protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/#take-action and submit a comment.
  2. Stay informed. For more information about public charge and resources from the PIF Campaign that is mobilizing against the proposed rule, visit www.protectingimmigrantfamilies.org.

Help us reach 100,000 comments nationwide. The best way to fight t is at stake 

As we prepare to celebrate the harvest and the stories of welcome to strangers in need this Thanksgiving season, the Bible reminds us of the commandment to God’s people not to “reap to the very corners,” but to leave some of the harvest for immigrants and those in need to survive.  The cruel and immoral new Public Charge Rule goes against this very commandment, and denies the fact that we can and must do better.

Make your voice heard and encourage others in your congregation, communities, and circle of friends to join in the upswelling!

Thank you for your caring action!

In Christ Love!  

Pastor Candy Thomas
Interim Pastor
Christ Congregational United Church of Christ