Office of Government Relations
Episcopal Church Statement on Asylum Restrictions
The Episcopal Church is deeply concerned with the recently released Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) interim final rule on asylum. The United States is obliged by international and domestic law to provide protection to people fleeing persecution, including asylum seekers. This rule wholly upends our current asylum system and will […]
Statement on Reports of Upcoming Raids
The Episcopal Church remains concerned about the reports of upcoming large-scale raids in communities around the U.S. These reports are already creating fear and uncertainty in the lives of people in our churches and in our communities. If these raids are carried out, it will cause long-term and devastating impacts for family units and communities. […]
79th General Convention Resolution Update
One year ago, thousands of Episcopalians gathered in Austin, Texas for the 79th General Convention. Since that time, the Office of Government Relations (OGR) has continued its work representing The Episcopal Church’s official policies to Congress and the Administration. We are eager to share a few updates on this work to give members of the […]
Ten Actions You Can Take to Accompany Undocumented Immigrants
This backgrounder provides suggested actions that you can take to support undocumented immigrants in your community. Included are links to further information, which will assist your effort to launch some of the suggested initiatives or connect with groups already doing this work in your area. 1. Share Know Your Rights (KYR) Information. Disseminate critical KYR […]
Statement on New U.S. Cuba Policy
Updated September 2019 The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations expresses its concern about the recent decisions by the Trump administration regarding U.S.-Cuba Policy. Since April, the Administration has (1) removed the waiver of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, (2) imposed new restrictions on travel to Cuba, and (3) limited the amount of family […]
Advocacy and the Way of Love
Last week, the Office of Government Relations had the honor of hosting Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in Washington, D.C. Bishop Curry spoke at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, sharing wisdom from his book The Power of Love. He led Morning Prayers at the U.S. Capitol, continuing a tradition of worshipping with Members […]
Statement on Recent Cuts to Foreign Assistance
The Episcopal Church laments the decision by the Trump Administration to cut off foreign assistance to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. We are concerned about the impact these cuts will have on our fellow Episcopalians and Anglicans in the region, as well as all people living there who struggle to meet their needs on a […]
Statement on Conditions in Haiti
The Episcopal Church expresses deep concern for the deteriorating conditions in Haiti, originating from both recent developments and ongoing, unaddressed issues. We are concerned by the recall of Haiti’s ambassador to the United States and by the impact of ongoing protests, now lasting for over a week, on daily life in Haiti. We also express […]
Statement on Funding Bill and National Emergency
The Episcopal Church recognizes today’s bipartisan compromise as an important advancement to averting another harmful government shutdown. However, we remain concerned about expanded immigration detention and militarization around the border region. In light of the declaration of a national emergency, we are concerned the President is deliberately disregarding the will of Congress, which has Constitutional […]
Aid to Palestinians
In 2018, Congress passed the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act (ATCA), which updated several elements of the Anti-Terrorism Act. One consequence of this legislation is that it is preventing Palestinians from receiving U.S. government assistance, including humanitarian aid. We must urge Congress to find a solution so that the Palestinian people can continue to receive life-saving assistance! […]
Contact:
The Office of Government Relations
eppn@episcopalchurch.org