Prayer service kicks off massive push on Gang of Eight Bill
All photos by Jim Coates
At a critical time in the Senate debate on immigration reform, faith leaders from key states converged on Washington, DC, to advocate for just and humane immigration reform.
On Tuesday morning, pastors, nuns, rabbis, and lay leaders from 16 states gathered on the lawn in front of the U.S. Capitol to call on the Senate to be on the right side of history and pass the bipartisan immigration reform bill S.744.
“Timidity and business as usual have kept this great nation from aspiring to its most honored principles that all are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain rights — rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Rev. Dr. Ronald Degges, President of Disciples Home Mission based out of Indiana.
Leaders from national faith-based organizations along with DREAMers called for a roadmap to citizenship for millions of aspiring Americans and for an immigration reform bill that is inclusive, accessible, and prioritizes family unity and reunification for immigrants and refugees.
“We come together united to give prophetic witness and speak truth to the seats of power,” said Rev. Noel Andersen of Church World Service to the crowd of faith leaders and representatives from the press. “We will not be defeated! Together we say, yes we can!”
Rabbi Coran Sigma from Ohio spoke out and shared her prayer for the nation. “We pray to you, oh God, asking for the vision to embrace those who have come to our country seeking sanctuary, seeking a better a life, and seeking to build our communities.”
Undocumented youth activists, who currently have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), shared their testimonies and the hardships faced by other youth. “Many undocumented students give up before they graduate high school because they see no future for themselves without access to higher education,” said Maria Sanchez, a student and advocate from DREAM Activist Ohio. “We need immigration reform now!”
Another DREAM activist from Kansas City, Missouri told the crowd how her family had been destroyed by the deportation of her brother. Karen Bardales-Diaz said, “What would you think if tomorrow your brother is not there? What would you say if your mom cried every night because your family is torn apart?”
Rev. Ivelisse Quiñones, a United Methodist from Georgia, spoke out on the legacy of the faith community. She said, “Throughout history, the creator has called for justice. Throughout history, we have been summoned to make a difference.”
Call your senators now to make your voice heard on immigration reform!
