Friends,
This afternoon, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), issued a statement opposing President Trump’s executive action that has led to the detention of qualified refugees at U.S. airports and the refusal to board refugees headed to the U.S. from foreign airports.
At the time of writing there are reports from various U.S. airports and abroad that in addition to visa holders with refugee status, both “Green Card” holders (those who have been granted legal permanent residency in the U.S.A.) and those with dual citizenship status who are nationals of the countries listed in the Executive Order are being barred entry.
The full statement from Rev. Dr. Nelson can be read here.
I am grateful for the witness of our denomination in faithfulness to the Gospel and in solidarity with the vulnerable.
The 1st lectionary reading for Sunday January, 29 is Micah 6:1-8. It could not be more timely. But the other three readings are no less pertinent to this moment of crisis. For each and together, the prophet, psalmist, epistle and Gospel describe the form and texture of righteousness. You can read them here: Daily Readings for January 29, 2017.
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah, 6:8
May we have courage to stand faithfully with our neighbors in need, be they near or far.
Peace be with you,
Cary Gibson, Ruling Elder