Office of Government Relations
Episcopal Church Statement on the Asylum and Border Policy Announcement
Updated 2/22/2023 This year, the Biden Administration announced several changes to its immigration policy: a new program to allow for legal entry through humanitarian parole for nationals of certain countries, expanded use of Title 42 expulsions to Mexico for those who arrive outside of this program, and a rule to block access to asylum to […]
Reflecting on the 117th Congress
This week, the 118th Congress convened. And while the dramatic (and as yet unsuccessful) Speaker’s election has dominated the headlines, the Office of Government Relations is focused on the opportunities for meaningful advocacy in a new Congress. But before we look ahead, we want to take this opportunity to reflect on some of the successes […]
National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence: Praying for the Dead and Fighting for Change
On Wednesday, December 7, I had the privilege and honor of attending the 11th National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The vigil provided space for the survivors, families, friends, and all Americans to pray, mourn, lament, and organize for continued action […]
Native American Heritage Month
Updated 9/6/2024 In the United States, November is nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month. The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations OGR) advocates for the federal government to advance several policies in solidarity with Indigenous communities in the United States. The Episcopal Church has long been committed to advocating in support of Indian Nations […]
What to Expect When You’re Electing: 2022 Edition
The 2022 midterm elections are well underway. As the American people prepare to elect a new Congress, and a wide array of other officeholders at the state and local level, we want to review what to expect in the coming days and weeks, and to share some key information about how U.S. elections are structured […]
Episcopal Church Statement on White House Pardons
The Episcopal Church commends the White House’s announcement to pardon all prior federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana. The pardons are expected to provide relief to about 6,500 individuals around the country. We also welcome the request for state governors to take similar actions, as the majority of the prison population is housed at […]
Episcopal Church Statement on 5th Circuit Ruling on DACA
On October 5th, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the 2021 district court decision that ruled the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy unlawful and sent the case back the district court. DACA provides protection from deportation and work authorization for over 600,000 people, the majority of which have been in the United […]
Episcopal Church Statement on the Administration’s Announcement on the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program
The Episcopal Church commends the Biden administration’s announcement of an ambitious refugee admissions target of 125,000 for FY2022. Our Church has long supported generous refugee admissions, and Episcopalians, working with Episcopal Migration Ministries and other resettlement agencies, provide meaningful support for refugees as they transition to their new homes and communities. However, we remain concerned […]
Episcopal Church Statement on the White House Conference on Hunger
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed a startling reality in the United States: far too many families face food insecurity on a regular basis. Faith communities play a vital role in confronting the domestic hunger crisis, and we are happy to do so. As Christians, we accept the call of the Lord Jesus Christ to “feed the […]
Summary of Episcopal Church Policy on Immigration and Refugee Issues
Updated 2024 Immigration Policy Refugees and Global Migration
Contact:
The Office of Government Relations
eppn@episcopalchurch.org