Ecumenical Statement of Welcome Regarding Syrian Refugees
God is both refuge and strength for us, a help always ready in trouble Ps 46:1 (New Jerusalem Bible)
Not unlike the days after September 11, 2001 and in World War II, we find ourselves faced with acts of violence. It is a very natural reaction to be afraid in the midst and aftermath of these types of acts, but we find that we are called, as followers of Jesus Christ, to remember that refuge for all people is found in God, and not in fear.
It is always helpful to note that it usually takes a refugee 18-24 months to complete the extremely thorough screening process before a refugee from any country can enter the United States. We urge our government agencies to be as thorough as possible in these screening efforts, but we wish always to be a community that welcomes the refugee.
Faithfully,
The Rev. J. Gregory Alexander
General Minister. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky
The Rev. Dr. Rhonda Blevins
Executive Coordinator, Kentucky Baptist Fellowship
Bishop Lindsey Davis
Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
The Most Rev. Roger Foys
Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington
The Rev. Dr. William O. Gafkjen
Bishop, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Rt. Rev. W. Douglas Hahn
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Lexington
The Rev. R. Philip Hart
Consulting Conference Minister, The Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ
The Rev. Dr. Peggy Hinds
Interim Executive Director, Kentucky Council of Churches
The Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz
Archbishop, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
African Methodist Episcopal Church, Kentucky and Tennessee
The Rev. Philip Lotspeich
General Presbyter, Presbytery of Transylvania-PCUSA
The Most Rev. William Medley
Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Owensboro
The Rev. John Odom
Presbyter for Community Life, Presbytery of Mid-Kentucky-PCUSA
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr.
Mid-West Episcopal District of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
The Most Rev. John Stowe, OFM Conv.
Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington
Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr.
Presiding Bishop, Second Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rt. Rev. Terry Allen White
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky