Bishop Kevin Jones of the Northeastern Iowa Synod has joined other ecumenical leaders in Iowa in a letter of support for immigrants in our communities. (See below)
The complexities of immigration laws and a lack of government resources to handle the backlog of cases—many taking between five and ten years to resolve—leave many individuals and families in unpredictable and anxiety-filled positions. Aware that many of our ancestors came to this land seeking a better future than their homeland could provide and mindful of scriptural mandates to welcome the stranger, the Northeastern Iowa Synod works through our AMMPARO Welcoming Network to support congregations, communities, and individuals accompanying immigrants through the legal processes of living in our country and in our state.
Time for Action: Immigration Advocacy and Support Letter from Iowa’s Ecumenical Leaders
January 20, 2025
To our migrant siblings in Christ:
As we celebrate the life and witness of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and his call to beloved community, we stand with our Catholic colleagues in extending to you our prayers, our solidarity and our witness in these trying times. We are aware of the uncertainty, fear and threat you face as migrants, immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. We want you to know that you are loved and valued by God and by us. You are not alone.
We are neighbors, friends and colleagues. Together, we are part of the household of God. Despite the harmful rhetoric we hear, we are all made in God’s image and precious and honored in God’s sight (Isaiah 43:4). We recognize and are thankful for the immense gifts contributed to the collective culture and shared experience.
As members of the Body of Christ, we stand together, reminding our nation of its historic commitments to human rights. We will renew our commitment to live out God’s second greatest commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). We will work to protect inherent dignity and insist on fair, lawful and compassionate treatment of everyone.
All of us in the Church of Jesus Christ are sojourners, “For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come,” (Hebrews 13:14). We invite all people of Iowa to join us in sojourning with you in ways that are just and respectful of our shared humanity. May God bless you and give you peace as we walk together this common journey.
In Christ,
Rev. Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai, bishop of the Iowa Annual Conference and Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church
Rev. Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Rt. Rev. Betsey Monnot, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
Rev. Roberto Ochoa, conference minister of the Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ
Rev. Kendy Miller, associate conference minister of the Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ
Rev. Lorna H. Halaas, bishop of the Western Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Ian McMullen, executive presbyter, Presbytery of Des Moines, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Elder Amgad Beblawi, ministry and mission executive, Presbytery of Des Moines, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Kevin Jones, bishop of the Northeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
