Standing with our immigrant neighbors

Across our nation, fear is again finding its way into our communities. Families are being separated. Immigrant neighbors live in constant uncertainty. ICE agents are appearing in neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. This is not a distant story, it is happening in our own backyards. Here in Chicago, it has happened in my own neighborhood and the neighborhood elementary school: the quiet panic, the heartbreak, and the resolve of families trying to stay together in the face of injustice. 

As people of faith, we are called to see Christ in every person and to resist the forces that diminish the dignity of all God’s people. Our baptismal covenant calls us to this lifelong work. Our Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers have long been places of belonging and safety—places where the stranger becomes a friend, where each person is seen and known, and where love is practiced not as sentiment, but as action.

In this moment, that means ensuring that our centers remain places of welcome and sanctuary. It means speaking out when others are silenced, and standing beside those who are vulnerable. It means teaching our campers and guests that belonging is sacred—that love is stronger than fear.

Scripture reminds us: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). And Jesus tells us, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). These are not merely words of comfort—they are invitations to courage and compassion. 

Many of you have reached out asking for resources, materials, and ways to get involved as our communities navigate this painful moment. Attached to this letter, you’ll find a collection of trusted resources from well-known and respected organizations, nonprofits, Episcopal, and interfaith networks to help your center or you, as an individual, respond with care, courage, and faith.

These include pastoral care tools, liturgies, and practical ways to support immigrant and undocumented neighbors, along with a summary of General Convention resolutions that affirm The Episcopal Church’s long-standing commitment to accompany immigrants and refugees with justice, compassion, and hope.

Included resources:

• Liturgy for Those Who Have Been Disappeared

• Know Your Rights printable cards

• Know Your Rights Training (Online)
  ECCC Rapid Response Toolkit

• ACA Navigating Immigration Enforcement Operations –- FAQs to Help Camps Prepare 

• Navigating Immigration Enforcement Operations (ICE) and Exchange Visitor Visas (J-1) This Summer

• How to Create a Neighbor-to-Neighbor Network

• Resources from The Episcopal Church
  Immigration Action Toolkit – The Episcopal Church

• Summary of Episcopal Church policy on immigration and refugee issues 
  
  

Our work together has always been rooted in love—the kind that shows up, stands firm, and makes room for everyone at the table. May our camps and conference centers continue to be living signs of that love: places where the Gospel is not only spoken, but embodied.

The Rev. Jess Elfring-Roberts

Executive Director,
Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers