[Parish] Immigration Message from the Bishop

[Malcolm Young]

Dear Friends,

Below you will find a forwarded invitation from Bishop Andrus to an event calling for immigration reform.  I will not be able to make it up there for this, but if you are interested please let me know so that I can send word up to the diocesan offices.

Yours in Christ,

Malcolm





> 
> February 5, 2010
> 
> Dear All:
> 
> We were promised that, by this time in 2010, comprehensive immigration reform would have been enacted and in process. But in reality, this year will see yet more families separated by deportations, and millions throughout the country will continue to live in fear and in the shadows.
> 
> At this critical juncture, it is of utmost importance that we come together as leaders of our religious communities in public witness and prayer to advocate for urgently-needed reform. Those in our congregations and communities who are suffering need our voice; and we need to join them in reminding our country of shared values: family unity, love of neighbor, fairness, and human dignity.
> 
> Please join me and other religious leaders in an interfaith prayer vigil on February 23, 2010, at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco as we send out an “Interfaith Call to Love” and “Prayerfully Stand for Immigration Reform.” Music and performances start at 5:30pm as people gather. The vigil begins at 6pm. At 7pm, the evening closes by “Breaking the Fast for Immigration Reform” with refreshments and cultural celebration. (We are inviting people to fast on Feb. 23.)
> 
> Regardless of what politicians do in Washington, we can show faith’s resolve by prayer and prayerful action for and with the community. We must continue to do all that we can to join with our sisters and brothers of all ages, races, and creeds who face forced removal from the land they have come to call home.
> 
> Together, let us acknowledge the many gifts that our undocumented brothers and sisters have brought to our country and help them to enter into full participation in our shared community.
> 
> Please let me know if you will be able to attend or send a representative. I look forward to hearing from you.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus
> 
> Bishop
> 
> Episcopal Diocese of California
> 
> 
> 
> Sponsors: Episcopal Diocese of California and its Migration and Immigration Task Force, Grace Cathedral, & Peace, Justice and Hunger Commission; Jewish Community Relations Council; Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights; San Francisco Interfaith Coalition on Immigration; East Bay Interfaith Immigration Committee; FAITHS Program of the San Francisco Foundation; Clergy and Laity United For Economic Justice; Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns, San Francisco Archdiocese; East Bay Sanctuary Covenant; Jewish Progressive Alliance  (Partial List)
> 
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