Nebraska Faith Leaders Participate in National Celebration of a New Hope for Immigration Reform

01/22/2009

Lincoln, Nebraska - A chorus of voices from faith leaders across the state gathered at First Christian Church across from the Capitol at 12:15pm today to celebrate “A New Day for Immigration Reform.”

The beginning of a new Congress, Administration, and Nebraska legislative session provides renewed hope for a new approach to immigration that restores the country’s values of community, dignity, and due process.

The group called on a new Congress to enact rational and humane immigration reform, on a newAdministration to stop the immigration raids that continue to tear apart families and communities across the country, and on the Nebraska Legislature to use its voice to pressure for federal reform, rather than harmful and divisive state proposals.

“We come together from many faiths to speak with one voice to call for federal immigration reform - policies that welcome the stranger, respect human dignity and protect families,” said Rev. Michael Ostrom of Fremont.

The Nebraska faith leaders came from many communities around the state and represented many faiths - including Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregationalist, and others.

The Nebraska leaders joined others across the country and in Washington, D.C. to celebrate this new hope. The Nebraska event followed Washington, D.C., events on Jan. 21, where hundreds of faith and grassroots community leaders gathered at the national headquarters of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for a ceremony to begin a new era of sensible policies that recognize human dignity. Participants in the D.C. event later gathered for a community forum at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

“As we consider policies about immigration, I hope we remember that we are a country strong enough to be compassionate and courageous enough to be creative,” said Rev. Jeff Hagaman of Crete. “Let’s address the vexing questions of immigration by laying aside our fears and leading with our compassionate strength and creative courage to legislate policies that are not just economical, but humane.”

*All photographs on this page are free for press use.

Press Statement from Justice and Advocacy, Ministries, ELCA-NE

Press Statement from Rev. Michael Ostrom, Fremont, NE (Lutheran)

Please visit www.anewdayforimmigration.org for more information.

CONTACTS/PARTICIPANTS:

Catholic
Jim Cunningham, Catholic Conference, 402-477-7517

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Dr. Burley Herrin, Lincoln, 402-475-4289

Congregationalist/United Church of Christ
Rev. Jeff Hagaman, Crete, 402-826-1187

Ecumenical
Marilyn Mecham, Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska, 402-476-3391

Episcopal
Fr. Jason Emerson, Omaha

Evangelical
Maria Cristina Camey, Fremont, 402-719-4989
Victor Corrales, Crete, 402-613-2887

Lutheran
Rev. Dr. Chuck Bentjen, State Policy Office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, 402-450-1003
Rev. Michael Ostrom, Fremont, 402-720-5966
Rob Dorton, Lutheran Immigration Services, 402-346-6100
Vicar Diana Kuhl, Fremont, 402-3320-0342

Methodist
Rev. Jay Vetter, Grand Island, 308-382-1952
Rev. Secundino Morales, Kearney, 308-440-1213

Presbyterian
Rev. Laura Hollister, Schuyler, 320-203-7335
Rev. Paulo Riveira, Niobrara (Presbyterian and Methodist)