Faith Leaders Condemn Administration Efforts to Abandon Historic U.S. Refugee Program

Faith leaders from various Christian denominations have expressed strong condemnation of recent efforts by the U.S. administration to alter the country’s refugee program. These leaders, including representatives from the Churches of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), have emphasized the moral and spiritual imperative of welcoming the stranger, a principle rooted in their faith traditions. They have called for the protection of vulnerable individuals fleeing persecution, aligning their stance with the biblical call to love in action, as stated in 1 John 3:18.

This collective response comes in the wake of the administration’s decision to significantly reduce the number of refugees admitted to the United States and to prioritize Afrikaners from South Africa for most of the remaining slots. Church World Service and its partners, including many congregations and organizations, have long been involved in supporting the refugee resettlement program since its inception in 1980. Their efforts have been guided by a commitment to hospitality and the dignity of all people, regardless of background or belief.

The administration’s proposed changes have been met with deep concern, as they threaten to undermine the program’s longstanding purpose of offering safety and protection to those in need. The leaders argue that the current approach not only disregards the thousands of refugees who have already been vetted and approved for resettlement but also risks transforming the program into something unrecognizable and unworthy of its history. This shift is seen as a betrayal of the program’s original intent and its role in upholding the values of compassion and justice.

In response, faith leaders have urged the administration and Congress to uphold the country’s commitment to refugees and to prioritize those most in need, such as Afghan allies and religious minorities still facing persecution. They emphasize the importance of maintaining the program’s lifesaving character and ensuring that the voices of those seeking refuge are heard and respected. The call to action reflects a broader commitment to the principles of mercy, accountability, and the pursuit of peace, as outlined in Micah 6:8.

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