Life Vests
Life vests from the shores of Lesbos. As I pull them from the box my amazing friends, Luca and Silvia, packed them in after collecting them from those abandoned, rocky shores, I am struck by what it must have represented to the man, woman, or child who wrapped themselves in these vests and pushed off from their continent — pushed away from destruction and pain, from shattered dreams and living nightmares — placing their very lives and futures in the hands of their God and their fellow human beings on the other side of all that looming water. These lifeless orange shells awaken in me a deep sense of responsibility as I pull them out one by one. They were dropped in relief as feet touched solid, peaceful, European soil and eyes were trained forward with hope. And now their story is ours. Life vests from the shores of Lesbos.
Official Statement on the Detention of Refugees and Ongoing Community Violence
With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.
On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.
Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.
We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.