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Delegates direct the general secretary to write a letter to the U.S. president on the topic

On Monday, June 11, General Synod directed the general secretary to write a letter to the United States president strongly supporting immigration reform and DACA and urged congregations to advocate for legislation that supports immigration reform and DACA at the local level.

The Commission on Christian Action originally brought the recommendation to synod, but retracted it instead of presenting it for a vote. Then, during their report, a motion from the floor brought the recommendation back before delegates.

Some delegates expressed discomfort with the general secretary writing a letter to the president about a political issue.

“I personally do not want this body writing a letter for me,” elder delegate Glenn Emmert said. “There’s so much involved in this. … I don’t feel comfortable having our general secretary write this.”

Others, like GSC member and corresponding delegate Anna Jackson, voiced support for the recommendation.

“Too long, I believe the church has been silent to many of the injustices that are happening in our country,” said Jackson. “We need to find our voice. It is within our authority. The report does have something to say when it comes to justice issues. I think it’s high time that we do make a statement.”

Ultimately, delegates passed a version of the recommendation amended to specifically condemn the separation of immigrant children from their families.

The RCA’s ecumencial partners at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) recently released a statement expressing concern about U.S. government policies that separate families of immigrants. General secretary-elect Eddy Alemán and interim general secretary Don Poest have already signed the ELCA statement

“During my pastoral ministry in California I ministered to many immigrant families from many different countries,” said Alemán, speaking to the issue in a Facebook post. “I know firsthand how difficult it is for some of these sisters and brothers to live with fear of deportation every single day. I’m glad to be one of the signers of this important statement addressing concerns over a recent U.S. government policy calling for more stringent enforcement of federal immigration laws. The policy will most likely result in an increase in family separations.”

For more news from General Synod, visit www.rca.org/synod.