Update from The Rev. Michael Wallens, Co-Chair of the Rio Grande Borderland Ministries
The attention of the national news cycle has moved on from the border. There are times when change comes as quickly and fantastically as a flash of lightning, and then there are times when it happens as the result of persistent erosion. And even though many of us cannot see it, we may be living, right now, in the exact moment when the American commitment to asylum seekers and refugees has obscured agency and responsibility.
For our migrant friends along the border, the pandemic is one more layer of complexity to their already tragic and unjust circumstances in cities, shelters, and tent cities. For the church along the border, it is not only seeing, immersing, and advocating for migrants; it is about being in relationship with them. On the border, as people who work with our sisters and brothers, we answer the invitation to participate. What we have found is a transformation that starts within oneself and has ripple effects on those we are close to. Our friends have taught us that it is not enough to support a shelter and provide food; they need friends who become their network and support.
As heavy and as difficult as the pandemic is for so many, it is also an opportunity for all of us to create a better world, one where every person can live in peace and dignity. It has never been clearer that access to healthcare, food, clean water, shelter, and economic security are human rights. With the clarity that often emerges from crisis, we can work together to create transformative change and come out of this a stronger and more just society. Let us begin with prayer as requested along the border:
Some of the migrant camps inside the Mexican border have experienced heavy rains and flooding. Please pray for those experiencing these additional hardships and the organizations making sure they have proper water drainage channels, tents, and other basic needs.
Pray for the immigrants with legal status who have been working and paying taxes and have lost jobs like so many other Americans during this crisis. With the complexities and recent changes of immigration law, many are confused and fearful about the renewal of their green cards and so are not applying for much-needed unemployment insurance benefits.
Please pray for all those living in limbo as they await immigration hearings. Immigration courts already have a backlog of more than one million cases, and it can take years for an asylum applicant to get a final hearing. With the pandemic shutdown and new protocols recently implemented that virtually makes it impossible to be granted asylum, the courts will be facing effects that last for years to come.
The Rev. Lee Curtis, Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of the Rio Grande
Advocacy Opportunities from Episcopal Migration Ministries
Download the Take Action Toolkit: We only have until July 15 to express our views on the proposed new asylum rule, which would virtually end asylum in the U.S.
Please submit your comment and please encourage your friends to do likewise.
We encourage you to speak with the leaders of your faith community, diocese, and other organizations to which you're connected about submitting a comment as an organization. Submit organizational comments directly through the federal register website.
EPPN Action Alert on Asylum - Please send to your members of Congress!
O God, Creator of all people,
help us to travel through the barren borderlands
that separate us from others.
Teach us to willingly explore relationships with people
as we offer a compassionate response to those who cross our paths around our borders.
Open our hearts to new companions’ needs so that
everyone eats,
everyone is clothed,
everyone has a safe and healthy habitat and
everyone knows they are loved by You, O Lord,
through our actions and struggles for justice and peace.
Grant us the vision to notice how each step we take together
moves us closer to the promised land
where all souls grow in hope and love.
Let us go forth this day
In harmony with You,
Compassion in our hearts
Gratitude in our thoughts
Generosity in our deeds
Justice as our passion
Let us go forth
carrying God’s image
Into our hurting world along our border.
AMEN