On the recordFebruary 2, 2017
Tomorrow is going to be a devastating day for so many. For decades, America has been engaged in resettling refugees. I remember the Vietnamese, the Iraqis, and the people from Afghanistan. More importantly, I remember the excitement I had in visiting the Statue of Liberty and being reminded of what a great country this is. Tomorrow, with the 120-day suspension, we will literally devastate refugee families, some of whom waited 10, 12, 15 years, who have sold all their goods and who are good people who want to come to this country, and, as well, their documents will expire. I am asking the administration to have mercy and to be as the Chaplain ordered us to do: to find our grounding in being able to be servants. I would ask that we not devastate these families causing them to completely be derailed from moving toward being refugees in this country. No terrorist has been found in refugees. I believe it is crucial that we show mercy in the spirit of prayer, as in the prayer breakfast this morning. Let us show mercy. ____________________
