Separating Families: What You Can Do To Help

RINA (Rochester Interfaith Network Alive) adopted this Resolution:  

Please Stop Separating the Children From Their Parents at the US/Mexican Border

As members of the Rochester Interfaith Network Alive we (The Episcopal Diocese of Rochester) condemn the continued use of family separation at the U.S./Mexico border as an implementation of the Administration's zero tolerance policy. All religions support family life and children are an integral part of the family. It is especially abhorrent and immoral to separate minors from their parents.  Families are the foundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together. While protecting our borders is important, we can and must do better as a government, and as a society, to find other ways to ensure that safety. Separating babies from their parents is not the answer and it is immoral.

We as Rochester Interfaith Network Alive ask our government to restore the minors separated from their parents, stop this policy of separating the children in the future and find better ways to be more welcoming to immigrant families who are leaving desperate situations to find asylum in  our country.

How can we help as a Diocese?

• Write, call, tweet and post your local lawmakers your feelings on this important matter
• Plan a local vigil with your church, inviting other faith leaders, family and friends
• Reach out to folks who are different in your circle, and consider doing one thing - invite their family to your home for a meal. We can make a world of difference in this toxic environment, one family at a time!