Dear Rostered Ministers and SAMs,

In October, I joined many other bishops in issuing a letter where we said the following:

In this time of division and fear, we insist on love.

Love insists on the dignity of every human being.

Love insists on justice for the marginalized and oppressed.

Love insists that the church must reflect God’s diverse, life-giving community.

Love insists that we listen, speak, and act with respect, even in disagreement.

Love insists on hope, trusting that God’s kingdom of justice and peace will prevail.

Amid the recent escalation of Customs and Border Patrol operations across our state that has created fear and confusion and upended the day-to-day lives of individuals in communities across our synod, we at the synod office are aware that our leaders and congregations are also feeling confusion and fear. While we do not claim to be experts ourselves, we have been collecting resources that we hope you will find valuable at this difficult time.

I would like to direct you to three opportunities (listed below) that are happening tomorrow, Thursday, November 20. North Carolina Council of Churches is hosting a press conference with several bishops across NC at 11 a.m., as well as a Zoom call for faith leaders at 2 p.m. Siembra NC is hosting a Zoom at 7:30 p.m. Learn more about all three below.

In the days ahead, synod staff—including Pastor Michael Dickson, Social Justice & Advocacy Ministry Coordinator—will be gathering resources to support congregations discerning how best to care for our immigrant neighbors amid the increased ICE presence in our state. As you become aware of helpful resources or information, please share them with us so we can distribute them.

As always, please let us know if you have other questions or concerns as we seek to be Christ’s presence for those who live in fear.

Together in Christ +

Emily K. Hartner
Bishop, North Carolina Synod

A Faith Leaders Press Conference

Faith leaders from across North Carolina representing numerous denominations pledge support for our immigrant neighbors and call on elected officials to reject “lawless” operations by Customs and Border Patrol. Join the North Carolina Council of Churches on Thursday, November 20, at 11:00 a.m. as faith leaders gather for an online press event in response to the detention and harassment of community members by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) across North Carolina this past week. CBP’s operations have resulted in the detention of at least 250 community members and the upending of daily life for countless North Carolinians. Register.

Faith Leaders Weekend of Action Webinar

Silence creates fear. Leadership creates safety. As federal immigration enforcement creates fear and uncertainty across our state, now is the time for faith leaders to stand with our immigrant neighbors. The North Carolina Council of Churches (NCCC) encourages worship leaders to speak boldly about this crisis this weekend. Join NCCC on Thursday, November 20, at 2:00 p.m. as they provide worship aids, congregational resources, and action items for your faith communities. These tools can be used immediately and in the days ahead. Immigrants are a vital part of our communities. When immigrants are safe, our communities are safe. Learn more and register.

Quickly Create a Neighborhood Defense Network

From Siembra NC, a statewide immigrant worker organizing group founded in 2017: The news is harrowing. Every day, there’s more Border Patrol and lawlessness on our streets. We’re going through it, together, as a community. But we’re not the only ones. Our friends at Protect Rogers Park in Chicago have also recently faced a raid, and they’re joining us on Zoom at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, to tell us about a neighborhood-based Border Patrol defense strategy. Learn more and register.

Questions? Please contact Pastor Michael Dickson.

If you know about additional resources to recommend to others, please share those with Pastor Michael as well so that we might pass them along.