"Our Synod Assembly in El Paso – Cruzando Fronteras, Crossing Borders – was an embodied reminder of the critical need for new ways of thinking and acting in our country with respect to immigration. Those of us who participated in the Assembly immersion experiences heard firsthand the depth of human suffering as well as the resiliency of the human spirit that accompanies those who leave their homeland due to fear, violence and persecution, in hopes of finding peace and a new life.
"As a church called to public witness for the sake of the neighbor, we respond to Christ’s call to serve and to seek justice when we engage our elected legislators on matters of the common good. We advocate for the building of not walls but a fair and humane immigration system. My stated commitment in El Paso was to invite you to join me in reaching out to our elected officials for that precise purpose. In the material below, you will find specific information and an invitation to engage in this advocacy effort as Church, Better Together. Thank you in advance for your commitment to caring for God’s beloved people as we live out our baptismal promises."
- Bishop Jim Gonia
We invite the people of the Rocky Mountain Synod, especially our Assembly voting members, to reach out to their U.S. Senators and Representative by July 15. Follow the easy steps below to share your story and ask your members to commit to bipartisan reform!
If you were a voting member at Assembly:
1. Identify your Representative and Senator and locate their contact information. If you're not sure, use this tool: www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member.
2. Decide how you want to contact your members of Congress. A phone call is often the quickest way to reach their office, but you may prefer e-mail if you find it easier to write down your stories and thoughts. You may call 1-844-332-6361 and follow the instructions to be connected to your member's office.
3. When you contact your members of Congress: share a story of your experience at the border during the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly. It could be a reflection on your immersion, on what you heard from one of our keynote speakers, or on anything else from our time together.
4. Conclude your message by asking your Member of Congress to commit to supporting bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform efforts.
5. Let us know who you contacted and how it went! Use this Google form: forms.gle/tHpgqA3Lxwjgo3Q99.
If you were not a voting member at Assembly:
1. Identify your Representative and Senator and locate their contact information. If you're not sure, use this tool: www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member.
2. Decide how you want to contact your members of Congress. A phone call is often the quickest way to reach their office, but you may prefer e-mail if you find it easier to write down your stories and thoughts. You may call 1-844-332-6361 and follow the instructions to be connected to your member's office.
3. When you contact your members of Congress: share a story about an experience you've had at the border, if you have traveled there; speak to the importance of immigration in your own family's story; or share about your congregation's or the ELCA's ministry related to immigration.
4. Conclude your message by asking your Member of Congress to commit to supporting bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform efforts.
5. Let us know who you contacted and how it went! Use this Google form: forms.gle/tHpgqA3Lxwjgo3Q99.
In the absence of specific current legislation, we invite you to ask your members of Congress to commit to bipartisan and comprehensive immigration reform. You may wish to underscore your advocacy ask with information related to the ELCA's current active work on immigration. As a church, we know that "immigration, refugee, and asylum policies express who we are as a nation, influence the nation’s future character, and affect the lives of millions of people" (ELCA Social Message on Immigration). We also believe in "a generous policy of welcome for refugees and immigrants” (ELCA Social Statement, for Peace in God's World), and we “will advocate for just immigration policies, including fairness in visa regulations and in admitting and protecting refugees. We will work for policies that cause neither undue repercussions within immigrant communities nor bias against them" (ELCA Social Statement, Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity & Culture).
Thank you for taking action! Your voice joins the chorus of faithful Christians throughout history who have advocated for welcome, hospitality, and refuge for newcomers.
"For I was a stranger and you welcomed me..." (Matthew 25:35).
Further reading on the ELCA's work with immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers
"Faith on the Move" Bible Study from LIRS -
Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy has graciously shared his curriculum “Out of the Waters – Resisting the Power of Fear.” This six session Bible Study is ideal for adult forums, youth groups, men’s and WELCA Bible studies, outreach or justice teams working around immigration advocacy in your congregation or community.
ELCA AMMPARO - Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities
ELCA Social Message on Immigration