Dear Southern Ohio Synod,

We are exactly one month away from our Christmas Eve celebrations, where we welcomed God’s presence in our midst as a baby – the long-anticipated messiah, whose life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension continue to guide us in our faith today.

My office has received questions about the safety and security of church buildings as changes occur with immigration policies in the United States. There is a lot of misinformation, unfounded rhetoric, and unclear policies being communicated, increasing the fear of the unknown. As we navigate this together, I wanted to share with you some resources to assist the ministries in the Southern Ohio Synod – congregations, campus ministries, food pantries, schools, and preschools.  Your ministries are vital to the communities you serve. Below are some beginning resources that can help you:

1. Global Refuge (formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services or LIRS) website is a good starting point. Their resource page is linked here.
2. Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) is an ELCA Ministry, under the larger ministry of ELCA Advocacy. You may learn more about their ministry here and access their resources here.
3. If you would like to subscribe to ELCA Advocacy’s alert emails, you may do so here. This will be a helpful resource for future resources.
4. Deacon Nick Bates (Hunger Network in Ohio) is available for conversation as he continues working on policies at the state and national levels. You may email him here.
5. Consult this document from the National Immigration Law Center. It was shared with us from the ELCA. This is especially important for our schools and preschools.
6. Contact your congregation attorney and notify your insurance company if anything happens on your church property.

As we receive more information and resources we will share them with you on the Synod website, through our weekly emails, and/or on social media.

In Christ,
+ Bishop Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt