ADDRESSING THE MIDDLE EAST REFUGEE CRISIS
The Presbytery/Synod…..overtures the 222nd General Assembly to:
1) Respond to the ancient biblical directive to provide for the stranger and the sojourner by directing appropriate PCUSA agencies, offices and staff (e.g., the Stated Clerk, the Office of Immigration Issues, the Presbyterian Mission Agency, the Office of Public Witness, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) to provide leadership for the whole PCUSA in diligently advocating for and seeking to improve matters related to United States Government refugee resettlement policies and related issues. This would include, but not be limited to advocacy for:
- A shortened overseas processing period – one measured in months not years – for refugees approved for admission to the United States. Beyond security checks, the process should include an expanded plan for reuniting families in this country;
- Increased federal funding to support necessary services for an expanded number of refugees – especially the most vulnerable;
- For admitting refugees as lawful permanent residents to increase their personal security and to insure that they not slip through administrative gaps in the immigration system.
2) Appropriate PCUSA entities and staff are directed to urge the United States Government and other member nations of the United Nations to honor and increase their funding to support humanitarian agencies, international refugee camps, and direct financial support which is often indispensable for internally displaced families in countries such as Iraq and Syria, and the multitude of other people, forced by fear and violence, to flee their national boundaries. This would include, but not be limited to:
a. Integration by the United States Refugee Resettlement Office of all services provided for refugees such as medical assistance, job training, job placements, micro enterprise loans, and mental health services in addition to living expenses. Such integration would promote charting the actual cost of refugee resettlement and give guidance for realistic funding based on the number of refugees admitted per year;
b. Establishment of trauma services for refugee children. Trauma is epidemic in refugee camps, and funding is inadequate to address needs. Also, since only about half of refugee children live in refugee camps, similar assistance should be made available through appropriate service agencies and responsible governmental entities where refugees live outside of camps;
c.Dramatically increased support by governments, religious entities, private organizations, and individuals for direct refugee services.
3) Joining denominational entities and staff named above, PCUSA presbyteries, sessions, and pastors should encourage congregations to host, co-sponsor, and/or support refugee families.
- Churches can provide basic support such as clothing, housing, furniture and food.
- Churches can provide a social connection for refugees to assist their acclimation to the community – including a welcoming voice for Muslims.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE
The present world refugee crisis is the greatest in over a quarter century. World-wide, 59.5 million people are displaced from their homes. Among the displaced are half the Syrian population including 4.1 million who have fled to surrounding countries – living in camps, with families, or on their own. (USAID, Fact Sheet #8 for 2015 and report of the Washington Post, Aug. 30, 2015, p. A13.)
While the number of refugees grows, funding for their needs continues to fall short and even diminish. The UNHCR (the UN agency for refugees) reports that as of August, 2015, only 37% of necessary funds have been forthcoming from governments. The privately funded World Food Program was forced to reduce the per person monthly food allowance from $40 to $13.50 and faced cutting off all aid to 200,000 of the neediest 1.6 million refugees it seeks to serve. (Washington Post, Aug. 30, 2015, p. A13)
The United States government is the largest donorto United Nations refugee work and has contributed $4.1 billion for Middle East efforts since 2012. That amounted to $3.1 million per day in 2014 while $10.5 million per day was being spent by the U.S. on the air war against the Islamic State. (ibid.) Spending priorities, even in a time of military conflict, are a moral issue not merely a financial consideration.
Our biblical faith has deep roots in and strong commitments to the refugee reality. “A wandering Aramean was my father; and he went down into Egypt and sojourned there…” (Deut. 26:5) Fleeing centuries of persecution, the Hebrew people lived the refugee reality of establishing a new life in a new place. Centuries later, Mary and Joseph fled the terrors of Herod to save the infant Jesus. When he began his ministry, the stranger and the outcast and the downtrodden had a special place in his teaching. It is not surprising then that his early followers were instructed, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels unawares.” (Heb. 13:2) And so the church remains conscious of its refugee roots, of the calling to seek justice for the oppressed and the unexpected joys in doing so.
PCUSA General Assemblies have sought in many statements and calls to the churches to be faithful to the mission of compassion and justice to refugees.
In approving the resolution on “Transformation of Churches and Society through Encounter with New Neighbors,” the 211th GA (1999) noted that:
“The Christian confession of Jesus Christ as Lord transforms ‘strangers’ into neighbors who are welcome into our communities.
“Churches are called to ministry with refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants, and to public witness on their behalf.
“Christians have the responsibility to challenge and to shape government policy regarding refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants….
“(They) should be treated humanely and justly in government policies and in our communities….
“Sovereign nations should exercise their authority to regulate immigration with a presumption toward generosity rather than restrictiveness.
The action of the 1999 GA also reaffirmed the action of the 209th GA (1997) that "urges presbyteries and congregations to respond to the plight of refugees and immigrants...and to advocate" on their behalf so that their basic needs will be met.
Refugees are distinguished from migrants in that refugees are seeking to escape violence and other threats to their well-being. like migrants they seek a better life in a new land, but refugees typically come with few or no financial resources of their own.
Most refugees are almost completely dependent on international funding and support. Without help, many will not survive; with help millions can make a new beginning.
The United Nations, supported by the United States and other governments, remains the primary channel of funding for the present wave of international refugees.
Since 1947 the PCUSA has advocated on behalf of refugee resettlement in the United States and supported strengthening laws toward that end.
The PCUSA has often called for the US Government to increase the number of refugees received. (1947: UPCNA Minutes p. 1110; PCUS, Minutes pp. 162-164; PCUSA Minutes p. 204 -- 1948: PCUSA Minutes p. 89 -- 1950 PCUSA Minutes, p.247) These early calls for generous admission policies have been bolstered by General Assemblies dealing with compassionate immigration and refugee policies for arrivals from various countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America (See Presbyterian Social Witness Policy Compilation, p. 52) – and now the Middle East, particularly Syria and Iraq.
The General Assembly Office of Immigration Issues exists to advocate for and support Presbyterian efforts to treat refugees with compassion and respect while helping to meet their resettlement needs. The Office is responsive to congregations, networks, and individuals who seek to become involved around issues of refugee justice and well-being.
Teresa Waggener
Presbyterian Church (USA)
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202
502-569-5372
Every congregation's mission could include assisting a refugee individual or family.