The following is a statement from The New York Metropolitan Synod – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Lutheran Synod advises Holy Cross that access to federal funding for “Safe Haven” makes prompt action doubtful
Commack - Holy Cross Lutheran ChurchThe New York Metropolitan Synod – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) strongly supports efforts to assist refugee children from war-torn areas and life-threatening environments in reuniting them with family members now situated in our nation. The synod supports the federal Safe Haven for Children program with action and prayer.
The synod is currently partnering with Lutheran Social Services of New York (LSSNY) to identify and suggest potential sites within the New York Metropolitan region where final transitional housing sites for minimal stays, probably maximum 10-15 day durations, can be located nearest to the re-connected families for children.
While this issue has already raised questions, concerns, support and opposition without a formal proposal before an appropriate authorizing body at one location, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Commack, the reality is that the timeline for application and approval for federal funding available at this time to utilize this space for a safe haven cannot be met.
The synod commends the local congregation for exercising its authority to explore new ministries, particularly those of social justice. However, as Holy Cross is anticipating congregational and pastoral leadership changes within the coming months, the synod suggests the congregation enter into a period of transitional discernment to pray and study how its viability and future ministry programs moving forward may best be beneficial for its members, the surrounding community and the world.
This issue remains of enormous importance to the synod. Recently, New York Bishop Robert A. Rimbo, a leader of Lutheran Immigration Relief Services (LIRS), traveled to our nation’s capital to lobby our congressional leaders to provide greater services for those seeking asylum. LIRS’s principles for immigration reform include providing a roadmap to citizenship to undocumented immigrants, ensuring enforcement measures are humane and just, protecting families from separation, promoting integration of vulnerable migrants, and protecting U.S. and migrant workers.