{"id":24927,"date":"2025-03-04T21:18:57","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T21:18:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/?p=24927"},"modified":"2025-03-07T22:27:28","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T22:27:28","slug":"ash-wednesday-declaration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2025\/ash-wednesday-declaration\/","title":{"rendered":"Church of the Brethren signs \u2018Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\u201cThe alien who resides with you shall be to you as the native-born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God\u201d <\/em>(Leviticus 19:34, NRSVue).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Church of the Brethren has signed the \u201cAsh Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge\u201d as one of the Covenant Members of Church World Service (CWS). The Church of the Brethren is a founding member of CWS, which for many decades has been an important partner organization for work in the areas of disaster relief, humanitarian aid, hunger relief, and refugee resettlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional organizations that have signed include the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, Mennonite Central Committee US, and Friends United Meeting, among many others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The declaration is described as \u201can unprecedented moment of moral reckoning\u201d and \u201ca bold and urgent call to action from faith communities across the nation.\u201d With 45 initial signers, it is intended to signal a solemn commitment by religious leaders and organizations to stand against policies that endanger refugees and immigrants.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The declaration follows recent presidential executive orders that oppose longstanding US traditions of welcome and create uncertainty for the United States Refugee Admissions Program. <\/strong>The declaration also is in support of Christian congregations and communities across the country who are hosting refugees and supporting immigrants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a critical moment in the history of our nation and our world,\u201d the declaration says, in part. \u201cRefugee and immigrant communities in the United States are increasingly the subject of misinformation, cruelty, fearmongering and criminalization, while government policies seek to decimate our nation\u2019s long-standing commitment to welcoming and protecting those seeking safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAmidst an unprecedented wave of human displacement driven by conflict, persecution and the widening impacts of climate change, the federal government now seeks to: ban refugees from entering our country, revoke temporary protected status for immigrants unable to safely return home, undermine the 14th Amendment\u2019s right to birthright citizenship, suspend foreign assistance to at-risk families around the world, erode the sanctity of places of worship, and dismantle our national capacity to assist refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants both at home and abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGuided by our faith, we stand together against the sweeping measures that are devastating vulnerable families and jeopardizing their futures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open for signatures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The declaration is open for signatures from across the country and will be so through Lent. Individuals, congregations, and other groups may sign on in support of the declaration at the landing page where there also is a link to the full text of the declaration, the signatures, and a list of supporting organizations. Go to https:\/\/cwsconnect.org\/ecumenical-declaration<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also available is a \u201cWorship Guide for Reflecting and Praying for the Displaced\u201d for congregations to use in centering worship on the situation of refugees, migrants, and other displaced people. Find it at https:\/\/cwsglobal.org\/learn\/migration-asylum-and-refuge<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The full text of the declaration:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These solemn words from Genesis 3:19 will be spoken in congregations worldwide this Ash Wednesday, inviting the church to reflect on our shared humanity. In many services, they will be followed by Jesus’ words to his disciples as he broke bread and shared the cup, commanding them to \u201cdo this in remembrance of me.\u201d Remembering is a fundamental practice of faith, especially in moments of great significance. Among the Bible’s many calls to remember, God\u2019s people are specifically instructed to remember \u201cthat you were foreigners\u201d in a foreign land (Leviticus 19:34).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With our nation now facing critical decisions about how it will uphold its most cherished values in relation to vulnerable immigrants and refugees, this ecumenical declaration urges the church to ground itself in Scripture. It also challenges our political leaders to remember that we are largely a nation of immigrants, and that how we treat the most vulnerable among us speaks volumes about our power and values on the global stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we begin Lent, Ash Wednesday also calls us to reflect on what it means to be followers of Jesus who gave his life for the redemption of a broken and suffering world. What is expected of us?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Declaration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together in faith and rooted in love, we resolve to continue in the centuries-old practice of Christian communities walking alongside refugees and immigrants in their pursuit of safety and dignity. We pledge to restore and promote hospitality and welcome to those seeking refuge – regardless of where they are from, how they pray or what language they speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a critical moment in the history of our nation and our world. Refugee and immigrant communities in the United States are increasingly the subject of misinformation, cruelty, fearmongering and criminalization, while government policies seek to decimate our nation\u2019s long-standing commitment to welcoming and protecting those seeking safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amidst an unprecedented wave of human displacement driven by conflict, persecution and the widening impacts of climate change, the federal government now seeks to: ban refugees from entering our country, revoke temporary protected status for immigrants unable to safely return home, undermine the 14th Amendment\u2019s right to birthright citizenship, suspend foreign assistance to at-risk families around the world, erode the sanctity of places of worship, and dismantle our national capacity to assist refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants both at home and abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guided by our faith, we stand together against the sweeping measures that are devastating vulnerable families and jeopardizing their futures. These actions not only cause immediate harm but also threaten our country\u2019s long-term ability to welcome and support those in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We grieve for the families who have been torn apart, had years-long reunification plans cancelled, been detained and deported, have been unjustly blocked from accessing asylum protections, and have been left without access to the basic assistance they need to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our faith communities share a long history of working together to welcome refugees and immigrants into our neighborhoods, our churches, our schools, our workplaces and our lives. Many of our churches first took root in the United States as immigrant churches seeking religious freedom in a new land. Refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants make our communities more vibrant, prosperous, and secure. Newcomers offer our communities the opportunity to learn more about ourselves, our world, and indeed our faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We stand united in our resolve to love our neighbor as ourselves, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8) in fellowship with the vulnerable, the outcast, the widow, the orphan, the immigrant and all persons in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We pledge to advocate for the protection of refugees, immigrants and vulnerable people seeking safety. We commit to holding our elected leaders accountable to upholding this country\u2019s values of compassion, generosity and welcome. We acknowledge that all nations have the sovereign right to enforce their borders and laws, but that they must also ensure their enforcement is fair and just.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We pledge to defend the rights and dignity of refugees and immigrants through prayer and faithful action. We reject attempts to dismantle this country\u2019s life-saving refugee resettlement program, to withhold protection to asylum seekers fleeing violence and persecution, to deny immigrants and refugees in our communities access to basic support, and to send families back into danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We dedicate ourselves to promoting truth, engaging in peaceful dialogue and speaking out against dehumanizing and divisive rhetoric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action\u201d (1 John 3:18). Together, let us protect welcome and restore hope \u2013 for we are all truly greater as one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Commitments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We hereby commit ourselves to protecting and renewing the tradition of welcoming all people \u2014 regardless of where they are from, how they pray or what language they speak. As we are reminded by Jesus in Matthew 25:35, \u201cFor I was a stranger and you welcomed me.\u201d We recognize the face of Christ in each refugee and each immigrant. In this spirit, we pledge to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Advocate to this administration to reverse the executive orders and other policies being enacted that aim to deny refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants the opportunity to seek safety in the United States.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Advocate to local, state, and national policy makers to do everything in their power to renounce these executive actions, to champion welcoming policies, and to ensure that adequate resources and social services reach the refugees and immigrants who need them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Engage our congregations in honoring the journeys of refugees and immigrants through Sunday services and church activities at least once between Ash Wednesday and Easter, and then again in celebration of World Refugee Day (June 20), educating our communities about the biblical call to welcome, and inviting our congregation members to support and advocate for refugees and immigrants in our communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Provide resources, support and encouragement to our congregations in their efforts to organize public, prayerful expressions of welcome and support for refugees and immigrants, including through events and direct actions in the public square.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Work alongside refugee and immigrant leaders to identify and help address urgent needs in their communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Defend the sanctity of places of worship amid escalating immigration enforcement, including by affirming that we welcome all, regardless of status, by speaking up for those fearful of mass deportation, and by helping individuals and congregations understand their Constitutional rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Invite other religious communities to join in these commitments to amplify our collective and multifaith voice.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    With this Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration, we remember our shared humanity. During our Lenten journey and throughout the year, we pledge to stand together with our refugee and immigrant neighbors and to act as called upon by our faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Signed,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Church World Service
    Rick Santos, President and CEO<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Reformed Church in America
    Rev. Eddy Alem\u00e1n, General Secretary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
    Christie Duncan-Tessmer, General Secretary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The United Methodist Church
    Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Co-Ecumenical Officer
    Bishop Minerva Carca\u00f1o, Chair of the Immigration Task Force, Council of Bishops<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Church of the Brethren
    David Steele, General Secretary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada
    Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, General Minister and President<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moravian Church in America
    Rev. David E. Bennett, President of the Northern Province Provincial Elders\u2019 Conference
    Rev. Dr. Neil Routh, President of the Southern Province Provincial Elders\u2019 Conference<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Presbyterian Church (USA)
    Rev. Jihyun Oh, Executive Director and Stated Clerk of the General Assembly<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    American Baptist Churches USA
    Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain, General Secretary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    United Church of Christ
    Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President \/ CEO<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    African Methodist Episcopal Church
    Bishop Winfred Jacobus Messiah, Senior Bishop
    Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr., Ecumenical & Urban Affairs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The International Council of Community Churches
    Rev. Dr. Bruce N. Merton, Executive Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Community of Christ
    Stephen M. Veazey<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
    The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additional organizations that have signed as of March 3, 2025:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, President and General Secretary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    AME Zion Church, Bishop Darin Moore<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., Karen Sullivan, Director of Advocacy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Episcopal Church, Rebecca Blachly, Chief of Public Policy and Witness<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Friends United Meeting, Kelly Kellum, General Secretary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Latino Christian National Network, Carlos L. Malave, President<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mennonite Central Committee US, Ann Hershberger, Executive Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sojourners, Adam Taylor, President<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    World Relief, Myal Greene, President and CEO<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ascentria Care Alliance, Angela Bovill, President and CEO<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Frank So, Executive Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Florida Council of Churches, Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    IRIS Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services, Maggie Mitchell Salem, Executive Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Journeys End Refugee Services, Pam Kefi, CEO<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in PA, Tracey DePasquale, Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lutheran Community Services Northwest, David Duea, President and CEO<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lutheran Family Services Nebraska, Chris Tonniges, President and CEO<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Minnesota Council of Churches, Suzanne Kelly, CEO<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Refugee Services, Catholic Charities of Oregon, Claudia Munoz, Program Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    St. Francis Seraph Catholic Church, Alan Hirt, Pastor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wisconsin Council of Churches, Rev. Kerri Barker, Executive Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    #MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ———-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Find more Church of the Brethren news:<\/p>\n\n\n