Northeast Ohio Interfaith Solidarity Statement on Refugees and Migrants
The sacred writings of our world’s religions contain passages that address the issue of migrants (immigrants and refugees). They repeatedly instruct us to love our neighbor and show hospitality to the stranger. In all our traditions, walking with migrants is a matter of faithfulness.
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:34)
Muhammad taught “The rights of migrants are the same as those of their host.”
Jesus taught, "For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me" (Mt 25:35).
In northeast Ohio, we have a long history of migrant communities enriching our lives. Immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers and displaced people are members of our faith communities. We are alarmed by the prospect of ICE raids at our churches, schools, health care facilities, and playgrounds. Some immigrants are afraid to send their children to school, to seek care at hospitals, attend church, or access other essential services.
We recognize that keeping communities safe and supporting the well-being of all people is a goal shared by all. We agree that nations have the responsibility to protect their borders and safeguard their communities. However, these policies must not cause undue hate bias or harms to migrants.
Just policies include recognition of the humanity of migrants without legal status and refuge for displaced peoples. Fear and division, however, are being caused by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, including some that are legally questionable and being challenged in courts.
We stand in solidarity and accompaniment with our migrant community as well as with our political leaders who have publicly supported the rights of immigrants and refugees including Mayor Justin Bibb,i County Executive Chris Ronayne,ii,iii and Global Cleveland’s Joseph Cimperman.iv
We are scandalized by recent violations of the human and civil rights of migrants including the arbitrary revocation of visas and green cards, removal of Temporary Protection Status, threats to birthright citizenship, and the forcible deportation and incarceration without due process of people with no criminal records.
We join with national faith-based organizations in opposing the mass deportation of migrants. With them, we also call for just and comprehensive immigration reform and the creation of pathways to legal status such as citizenship. Likewise, we call for respect for the integrity of families, respect for due process, and respect for human dignity of migrants, v
As people of faith we cannot remain silent. We therefore pledge ourselves:
to accompany our Northeast Ohio migrant community in all the ways open to us,
to support local and national agencies that serve and advocate for immigrants,
to bring these urgent concerns to local and national political leaders including to those who have already spoken in support of the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Please join us in prayer and advocacy for all those who are forced to flee their homes, especially for people newly threatened by illegal practices that violate their human and civil rights. May our actions reflect a courageous commitment to their lives and well-being.
Brian Stefan-Szittai, Co-Coordinator
InterReligious Task Force on Central America
216 961 0003
Sister Christine Schenk, CSJ
216-513-3647
List of Signatories (6-24-25)
Northeast Ohio Interfaith Solidarity Statement on Refugees and Migrants
Rev. Abby Auman, Senior Pastor, Strongsville United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church
Rev. Joe Blotz, Pastor, Community of St. Peter
Catholic – Reform. Cleveland, OH
Sister Mary Eileen Boyle, OSU
Roman Catholic
Rev. Jason-Bricker-Thompson, Minister, Disciples Christian Church
Disciples of Christ, Cleveland Heights , OH
Rev. Kelly Burd, respite pastor West Park United Church of Christ
United Church of Christ. Cleveland Ohio
The Rev. Dr. James Butler, Lakewood Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church (USA). Lakewood, OH
Leonard Calabrese, Retired President, Catholic Community Connection
Councilman, City of South Euclid - Roman Catholic
Rev. Andy Call, Lead Pastor, Church of the Saviour
United Methodist Church. Cleveland Heights, OH
Rev. David T. Chafin, Pastor, North Eaton Christian Church
Disciples of Christ. Grafton, OH
Sister Mary Pat Cook HM
Roman Catholic
Sister Jennifer Corlett OSU
Roman Catholic
Reverend Allen F. Corrigan, Pastor, Saint Victor
Roman Catholic, Richfield, OH
Rev. Emily Culp Ashby, Associate Pastor for Faith Formation, Kent United Church of Christ
United Church of Christ. Kent, OH
Rev. Heidi Denman McDougall, Pastor, Strongsville UCC
United Church of Christ. Strongsville, OH
Rev. Robin D. Dillon, Lead Pastor, Lakewood United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church. Lakewood, OH
Sister Maureen Doyle OSU
Roman Catholic
Rev. Karen S. Drotar, Retired Elder
United Methodist Church
Rev. Kathy Dickriede, Director Missions & Community
East Ohio Conference-United Methodist Church. Macedonia, OH
Rev. Tom Dragga, Pastor, Church of the Resurrection
Roman Catholic. Solon, Ohio
Mr. Robert Dunn, Member, Church of the Saviour
United Methodist Church. Cleveland Heights, OH
Rev. Joel Engman, Lead Pastor Harmony Springs Christian Church
Disciples of Christ. Green OH
Rev. Tom Fanta, Pastor, Church of St. Dominic
Roman Catholic. Shaker Heights, Ohio
Rev. Joy E. Fenton-Jones, Minister, First Christian Church
Disciples of Christ. Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Rev. Kate Gillooly, Minister, Heights Christian Church
Disciples of Christ. Shaker Heights, OH
Rev. Dr. George R. Graham, Pastor, Pilgrim Congregational UCC
United Church of Christ, Cleveland, OH
Rev. Tina Green, Pastor, Fairport Harbor Congregational UCC
United Church of Christ. Fairport Harbor, OH
Rev. Halldor Gudmundsson, Pastor, Church of the Redeemer
United Methodist Church. Cleveland Heights, OH
Rev. Allen V. Harris, Regional Pastor & President, Christian Church in Ohio
Disciples of Christ. Columbus, OH
Sister Rita Mary Harwood, SND
Refugee Ministries. Cleveland, OH
Rev. Michael Anthony Howard, Minister of Faith in Action, Living Water Association, (Ohio NorthEast) United Church of Christ, Cuyahoga Fall, OH
Faten Husni Odeh, Executive Director
Council on American Islamic-Relations. Cleveland, OH
Rev. Rosalind C. Hughes, Canon for Beloved Community
Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. Cleveland, OH
Sharon Hughes Director, Immigrant and Refugee Ministries
The Hope Center/Building Hope in the City. Cleveland, OH
Imam Ramez Islambouli, President of the Muslim Association of Cleveland East
Muslim Association of Cleveland East. Cleveland, OH
Mark Jaffee, Religious Director, Agudath B’nai Israel Synagogue
Jewish–Conservative. Lorain, OH
Bob Kloos, retired Pastor/Administrator for the Community of Saint Peter
Catholic-Reform. Cleveland Heights, OH
The Rev. Canon Adrienne Koch, Canon for Mission and Transformation
Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. Cleveland, OH
Rev. Doug Koesel, Pastor, Blessed Trinity Parish
Roman Catholic. Cleveland, OH
Rick Krivanka, Retired Executive Director, Jesuit Retreat Center
Roman Catholic. Parma, OH
Rabbi Enid C. Lader, Rabbi Emerita Beth Israel - The West Temple
Jewish-Reform. Cleveland, OH
Martha Ligas, Pastoral Minister, Community of St. Peter
Catholic-Reform. Cleveland, OH
Rev. Dr. David Long-Higgins, Conference Minister, Heartland Conference-Ohio
United Church of Christ. Columbus, OH
Rev. Lea Mahan, Pastor, Peninsula United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church. Peninsula, OH
Rev. Dr. Gene McAfee, retired, United Church of Christ
Cleveland Heights, OH
Chris McCreight, Minister & Chaplain, Hiram Christian Church and Hiram College Campus Ministry.
Disciples of Christ.Hiram, OH
Rev. William D. Meyer, retired intentional interim pastor
Disciples of Christ. North Canton, OH
Rev. Francis Miller, Pastor, Lyndhurst Community of Faith
Presbyterian Church (USA). Lyndhurst, OH
Rev. Christin Moreland, Senior Pastor, Parma-South Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church (USA). Parma, OH
Rev. Louis Papes, retired
Roman Catholic. Cleveland, OH
Rev. Melinda Quellhorst, Senior Pastor, Dover Congregational United Church of Christ
United Church of Christ. Westlake, OH
Rev. Robert J. Reidy, retired
Roman Catholic. Cleveland, OH
Sister Christine Schenk CSJ
Roman Catholic. Rocky River, OH
Fr. Nathan Self, Curate, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Episcopal Church. Lakewood, OH
Brian Stefan-Szittai– InterReligious Task Force on Central America
Cleveland, OH
Sister Sheila Marie Tobbe OSU
Roman Catholic. Pepper Pike, OH
Rev. John Wahl, Pastor, Valley Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church (USA). Chagrin Falls, OH
Rev. Heidi Welch, Senior Pastor, Brecksville United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church. Brecksville, OH
Rev. Bob Wenz, retired
Roman Catholic. Cleveland, OH
Matt Whisenhunt, Pastor/Director of Harbor and Bridge
United Methodist Church. Cleveland, OH
Rev. Meredith White, Pastor, Noble Rd. Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church (USA). Lyndhurst, OH
Sister Donna Wilhelm, SSJ-TOSF
Roman Catholic. Cleveland, OH
Sister Judith Woods, PHD, SSJ-TOSF
Roman Catholic. Cleveland, OH
Isam Zaiem, Emeritus Board Member of CAIR-Ohio
and member of West Cleveland Muslim Association (WCMA)
Cleveland, OH
https://www.elca.org/news-and-events/interfaith-solidarity-statement-on-refugees-and-immigrants
https://www.clevelandohio.gov/news/statement-mayor-justin-m-bibb-0
Appendix 1
Interfaith Solidarity Statement on Refugees and Immigrants March 7, 2025 https://www.elca.org/news-and-events/interfaith-solidarity-statement-on-refugees-and-immigrants
We stand united as people of faith in our commitments to welcome the stranger and to care for the most vulnerable – commitments rooted in our common understanding of our Creator’s love for all and call to serve our neighbors.
In these overlapping holy days of Purim, Lent, and Ramadan, we join our voices together to express our grave concern for the individuals and families seeking refuge in this country. We are particularly devastated and concerned for the welfare of the thousands of refugees who were approved and even ready for travel, only to have their plane tickets taken away.
For more than four decades, our faith-rooted organizations have partnered with the US government to ensure that people forced to flee their country because of conflict, violence, or persecution are vetted and arrive legally, to be welcomed in this country with services to meet their basic needs.
The recent US State Department termination of cooperative agreements with the 10 national resettlement agencies in the US has made already-at-risk people even more vulnerable. We urge all people of faith and goodwill to join us in advocating with our elected leaders for our partnerships with the government to be restored so that we can fully work with those we are called to serve.
We invite you to join us in prayer for all people who are forced to flee home. May they know our deep and abiding commitment to their lives and well-being.
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Alesia Frerichs, President & CEO, Lutheran Services in America
Myal Greene, President & CEO, World Relief
Mark Hetfield, President, HIAS
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union for Reform Judaism
The Rev. Walter Kim, President, National Association of Evangelicals
Rabbi Hara Person, Chief Executive, Central Conference of American Rabbis
Kerry Alys Robinson, President & CEO, Catholic Charities USA
Basharat Saleem, Executive Director, Islamic Society of North America
Richard L. Santos, President & CEO, Church World Service
Ahmed Shehata, Chief Executive Officer, Islamic Relief USA
The Rev. Sarah Shipman, Director, Episcopal Migration Ministries
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President & CEO, Global Refuge
Appendix 2
Teachings about immigrants from the world’s religious traditions (list in formation)
Judaism The Jewish people have a long history of being refugees. As such they are instructed by God in Leviticus 19:34 “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself.”
Islam The prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Yathrib (Medina) to escape persecution. Muhammad taught “The rights of migrants are the same as those of their host.”
Buddhism. The Buddhist concept of Metta or loving-kindness emphasizes treating all beings with respect, and a belief in helping those in need regardless of their race, nationality or background.
Hinduism. Hindu teachings emphasize compassion, empathy and treating all beings with respect. The Hindu concept of Ahimsa or non-violence emphasized the importance of not causing harm to any living being and helping those in need.
Christianity. Mary, Joseph and Jesus were refugees fleeing to Egypt for fear and political violence in their homeland. Jesus tells the story of the good Samaritan with the lesson being we are to care for even for those we have no direct connection to or even consider enemies.
Appendix 3
Statement from Mayor Justin M. Bibb
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025
https://www.clevelandohio.gov/news/statement-mayor-justin-m-bibb-0
As Mayor, I will use my full authority to recognize the humanity of all people in Cleveland. I fully condemn the concentrated effort to threaten and terrify our most vulnerable populations. Arresting immigrants working in a suburban restaurant does not make us safer. Targeting schools, hospitals, and places of worship is obscene.
Immigrants are human beings. They have elevated our home by contributing their talents and cultures here. They support our economy. They attend our churches. They are our neighbors. Immigrants have been integral to our city’s story for generations.
My administration will not engage in the deportation of individuals who have not committed violent crimes. No law requires that we do so. Cleveland police are tasked with protecting public safety, and while we will take action against anybody who commits violent crimes, we are not enforcing general federal immigration law. Our police are not here to play politics or be used as a tool for fear.
The federal government should prioritize their law enforcement resources where they are most needed: combating violent crime and promoting safety across all communities. We stand ready to support federal efforts to combat human trafficking, drug trafficking, gun trafficking—any number of offenses that may involve international actors.
This is a country of laws, and in public office, we have all taken an oath to uphold the Constitution. We encourage all Clevelanders to learn more about their rights and access the support they need. Helpful resources are available here:
Our strength comes from our people, and Cleveland is strongest when we act together. As a united community, we will ensure that Cleveland remains on the right side of history.
Appendix 4
Council on American-Islamic Relations
https://www.cair.com/humanizing-immigration-policies/
CAIR stands in solidarity with immigrants facing the threat of hate crimes, mass deportation, denial of birthright citizenship, racial profiling, abuses in detention centers, and ICE raids at sensitive places such as houses of worship, schools, and hospitals.
CAIR believes that immigration laws can and must be enforced in a humane, just and comprehensive way that also establishes a clear path to legal status for Dreamers, workers and immigrant families.
Through policy advocacy and coalition-building, CAIR is advocating for just treatment of all in America, including immigrants.
Appendix 5
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Welcoming the stranger, or immigrant, is a core part of Jewish tradition, mentioned 36 times in the Torah. Leviticus commands, "The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love them as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (19:33-34). Our own people's history as "strangers" reminds us of the many struggles faced by immigrants today and we affirm our commitment to create the same opportunities for today's immigrants that were so valuable to our own community not so many years ago.
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and Religious Action Center (RAC) continue to work tirelessly to oppose anti-immigrant rhetoric and legislation. From engaging congregations to participating in national coalitions, we are working across all levels of advocacy in the pursuit of a just and humane immigration system.
Appendix 6
https://www.usccb.org/resources/immigrationreform.pdf
JANUARY 2025 Catholic Elements of Immigration Reform
“What is clearly true, and what the Church and many others have called for, is the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of our country’s immigration system. The U.S. immigration system is overly complex and unjust, often keeping family members apart; it must be fixed.” —Statement of the USCCB Administrative Committee (March 17, 2022)
For decades, the Catholic bishops of the United States have been consistent and steadfast in their calls for a just reform of the nation’s immigration system. The elements of reform articulated below are grounded in Catholic social teaching generally and the Church’s teaching on migration specifically, including the joint pastoral letter released by the American and Mexican bishops, Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope (2003).
Element 1: Enforcement efforts should be targeted, proportional, and humane Safeguarding American communities and upholding the rule of law are laudable goals. At the same time, a country’s rights to regulate its borders and enforce its immigration laws must be balanced with its responsibilities to uphold the sanctity of human life, respect the God-given dignity of all persons, and enact policies that further the common good. Whether along an international border or in the interior of the country, enforcement measures should focus on those who present genuine risks and dangers to society, particularly efforts to reduce gang activity, stem the flow of drugs, and end human trafficking. Just enforcement also requires limiting the use of detention, especially for families, children, pregnant women, the sick, elderly, and disabled, given its proven harms and the pervasive lack of appropriate care in detention settings. Military personnel, resources, and tactics should not be used in immigration enforcement. Deportations and other enforcement actions should always be carried out with due regard for families, community ties, and religious liberty interests.
Element 2: Humanitarian protections and due process should be ensured
From refugee resettlement, asylum, and temporary protected status, to visas for victims of trafficking and abused youth, humanitarian protections are essential components of an immigration system that furthers the common good. Reforms to the U.S. asylum system in particular should not raise what is already a high bar for relief, given the potential threats to human life if refoulement were to occur. Meanwhile, third-country resettlement is a durable and mutually beneficial solution for refugees who cannot safely return to their country of origin. Immigration processes, whether affirmative or defensive, must also be subject to due process. The dehumanization or vilification of noncitizens as a means to deprive them of protection under the law is not only contrary to the rule of law but an affront to God himself, who has created them in his own image. Further restricting access to humanitarian protections will only endanger those who are most vulnerable and deserving of relief. Catholic Elements of Immigration Reform Page 2
Element 3: Long-time residents should have an earned pathway to citizenship
History does not support the belief that opportunities for long-time undocumented residents to regularize their status significantly increases illegal immigration. Today, nearly 12 million people are estimated to be living in the United States without legal status. This number has remained between 10 and 12 million since 2005. Almost one-third of the undocumented population consists of those brought to the United States as children, commonly known as “Dreamers”. It also includes approximately 300,000 farmworkers, about half of the U.S. agricultural workforce. A significant majority of the undocumented population has lived in the United States for over a decade (some estimates place this percentage at upwards of 80%). Meanwhile, the population already contributes an estimated $100 billion in federal, state, and local taxes each year. Providing legal processes for long-time residents and other undocumented immigrants to regularize their status would strengthen the American economy, provide stability to communities, and keep families together.
Element 4: Family unity should remain a cornerstone of the U.S. system
Catholic teaching maintains that families are the foundation of society, and the success of any civilization hinges on the well-being of its families. For generations, families living in the United States have included combinations of citizens and noncitizens. Immigration reform measures should be evaluated according to whether they strengthen families and promote family unity. U.S. citizen members of mixed-status families should not be penalized with restrictive policies that require eligibility for programs or services to hinge on an entire family being comprised of citizens.
Element 5: Legal pathways should be expanded, reliable, and efficient
An enforcement-only approach to immigration disregards the benefits of immigration and the contributions of immigrants, as well as the many legitimate motivations people have for migrating, including family reunification, educational opportunities, employment, and humanitarian needs. Meanwhile, limits on legal immigration pathways established several decades ago are no longer responsive to the social, economic, and geopolitical realities of today. Unreliable processes and inadequate legal pathways have merely contributed to an increase in irregular migration, even as enforcement efforts have been steadily intensified. Improving and increasing opportunities for people to lawfully enter the United States, on both a temporary and permanent basis, are necessary steps to address several pressing issues, from family separation to regional labor shortages. New legal pathways should be created, and backlogs resulting in decades-long wait times should be eliminated.
Element 6: The root causes of forced migration should be addressed
Migration has been a consistent phenomenon throughout human history. The Bible itself depicts a series of migrations, including that of the Holy Family fleeing persecution. An effective and sustainable response to increased migration must include efforts to address its root causes, especially in the case of forced migration. The preeminent right to life provides that people should be able to flourish in their homeland, with migration being a free choice (known in Catholic teaching as the right not to migrate). However, when the conditions for a dignified life are absent, people have the natural right to migrate, and countries have a duty to accommodate that right to the extent possible. There are a multitude of factors causing people around the world to migrate in large numbers today, often as the only way to sustain or protect human life. This cannot be addressed unilaterally (i.e., a domestic overemphasis on deterrence) or by shifting responsibility (i.e., externalization of borders) but requires meaningful cooperation between the United States and other countries.
https://www.elca.org/news-and-events/interfaith-solidarity-statement-on-refugees-and-immigrants
https://www.clevelandohio.gov/news/statement-mayor-justin-m-bibb-0
