Speaking Out for Vulnerable Immigrant Kids: Write to Reunite
Last month, all five Texas United Methodist Bishops joined together for the Write to Reunite Campaign.
In the wake of President Donald J. Trump’s “zero-tolerance” policy concerning the prosecution of illegal border crossings, the Texas UMC Bishops launched the Write to Reunite campaign. This letter writing initiative advocates for the reunification of migrant children and their parents. The Bishops cite their grave concerns for the trauma the children are suffering calling the separations a “humanitarian and moral crisis.”
“As United Methodists, this is historic time for us to come together as pastors, Sunday School classes, and Bible studies to write a letter to our government officials on behalf of our children,” says Bishop Scott J. Jones.
Reunifications Behind Schedule
According to The Washington Post, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar recently said, “under 3,000” immigrant children had been separated from their parents. Despite a court order to reunite all children under the age of five by July 10, 2018, it is estimated that only 54 of those children will be back in their parent’s arms by the end of the week.
Advocation for these children is in clear agreement with UMC “Social Principles” which state: “We oppose immigration policies that separate family members from each other or that include detention of families with children, and we call on local churches to be in ministry with immigrant families.” Paragraph 162.H
Writing Campaign Well Received
Texas United Methodists have enthusiastically participated in the campaign but are urged to continue to writing their representatives until all children are returned to their parents. The website, www.writetoreunite.org is informative and user-friendly, offering participants a simple and direct way to contact their representatives.
The initial Facebook post promoting the campaign has reached 1,700 people.
EMBED POST http://facebook.com/txumc/posts/10155871828571715
The http://writetoreunite.org site has had over 600 visitors over the past 20 days it has been online. Seventy people self-reported submitting letters, with most going to the US senators representing Texas, followed by several going to US Representatives and a handful sent to state level representatives.
“I urge you, as a faithful Christian, to contact your congressional representative and senators to continue expressing your concerns for the separated children and calling for legislation to keep families together,” said Jones.
To write a letter, see sample letters or view the Bishops’ video, go to: www.writetoreunite.org.
Thank you for making a difference for our children!