Province V Migration Ministries Webinar

Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 7:00 PM

Welcoming Refugees:
A Small Episcopal Church Takes on a Big Challenge

Webinar - September 19: 7-8 p.m. Central
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81246380265 (password: 5)
Info webpage: https://www.provincev.org/migration.html

Our baptismal covenant asks, “Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?” And in the Bible we read and hear the call to welcome the stranger. As people of faith, we are asked to do these things, but in the case of the desperate needs of refugees and asylum seekers the needs can be overwhelming, especially if your parish isn’t large or wealthy, or if you just have no idea where to start.

One small church, St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan, is now on the verge of opening “St John’s House for New Americans,” which will soon provide a comfortable home and needed social support for a large refugee family while they learn about their new environment and gain the ability to live in the US independently.

How is St. John’s, a small church made up of fewer than eighty families, able to do this? To find out, join us for this one-hour webinar on the evening of September 19.

Betsy Sole, the St. John’s parishioner who initially conceived of this two-year long project will share the story of how St. John’s, the Episcopal Diocese of SE Michigan, other churches, community organizations, businesses, neighbors, and Samaritas (the Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service's resettlement agency) have come together in a way that would have been impossible without the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. They will be ready to welcome their first refugee family within a few weeks.

Who Are Refugees and Asylum-Seekers?

Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their country because of persecution, war, or violence. Refugees have a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. They cannot return home or are afraid to do so.

Asylum-seekers are people who flee their own country and seek sanctuary in another country, where they apply for asylum – the right to be recognized as a refugee and receive legal protection and material assistance. Asylum-seekers must demonstrate that their fear of persecution in the home country is well-founded.

Province V of the Episcopal Church is made up of 14 dioceses, including the Diocese of Missouri. The province serves as a network to provide support and resources to all members in the region.