LETTER TO HISPANICS FROM BISHOP KIRK SMITH OF ARIZONA

From Bishop Kirk S. Smith of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona:

Today I have sent the following letter to our Spanish-speaking Arizona Episcopalians:

My Dear Spanish-Speaking Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
photos from around the Diocese

Today is a sad day in the struggle to see all God's people treated in a humane and compassionate manner. I had hoped that our Governor and law-makers would listen to their consciences and not be swayed by the voices of bigotry and racism. With the Governor's signing of SB 1070, it seems that for now the advocates of fear and hatred have won over those of charity and love. Arizona claims to be a Golden Rule State. We have not lived up to that claim.

I know that the passage of this law is deeply troubling to many of you, especially those of undocumented status. I know that many of you fear for your jobs, your families, and your future in this state and in this country.

You are not the only ones affected. According to this law, anyone giving food or even water to an undocumented person in need could be subject to arrest. What would Jesus say?

I am writing to encourage you not to loose heart.

First, there is no need for panic. This law does not take effect for 90 days. During that time there will be many court challenges, including those coming from the federal government. The law might be tied up for months or years in litigation, and I believe that there is a good possibility it will never go into effect.

In the meantime, know that the majority of us in the Episcopal Church, and in many other churches and faith communities, stand with you in support and solidarity. We will continue to work as hard as we can to defeat this law and to work toward just and fair laws that protect the rights of all human beings. We all know that our immigration system is broken, but it cannot be fixed by scape-goating the most vulnerable of those among us.

Finally, know that God is with you in this struggle. Jesus always stands with the oppressed. You therefore have our concern, our prayers, and our support.Kirk Smith

Faithfully,

+Kirk

Episcopal Church bishops are doing us proud today: First Bishop Benhase and now Bishop Smith.

H/T to Andrew Gerns at The Lead.