Ship

 

SCCAC header

Living and working together as the Body of Christ
within the Full Household of God
oikumene
November 10, 2008
Call for Moratorium on Immigration Raids

Join Our Mailing List

Donate Now
 

SC Christian Action Council

Board of Directors Issue
Call for Moratorium
on Immigration Raids in SC
 

As South Carolina's only statewide ecumenical agency, the South Carolina Christian Action Council is a partnership of 16 Denominations represented in 21 Regional Judicatories. Living and working together as the Body of Christ, we affirm that:  

The human condition is built on justice and mercy. Justice promotes and protects the rights of all people with no stratification of privilege. Mercy acts to provide the requirements of life to those who, because of native ability or circumstance, cannot provide for themselves.
 
Immigrants and newcomers possess all the rights and corresponding responsibilities recognized by the Church. These do not derive from membership in a state or from immigration status, but from the inherent dignity of every person. Our understanding of scripture assures us that what confers rights is personhood-that we are created in the image of God-not citizenship. (From SCCAC 2006 Statement on Immigration.)

1. Immigration raids are targeting workers, typically immigrants, based on racial and ethnic appearance, accent, or limited English skills. This is discrimination and violates both citizens and legally present non-citizen rights.
 
2. During raids, U.S. citizen children are separated from their parents-sometimes for days. Children are stranded at day-care centers, schools, or homes of friends or relatives. The long-term impact on these children's lives is unknown. Many times families may never be reunited.
3. There is no readily accessible process to find a person in detention. Usually the assistance of an attorney is required.
4. Raids reduce trust at all levels in law enforcement which results in immigrants fearful in calling police. This is especially true for domestic violence victims and immigrants who witness crimes.

5. Immigration raids DO NOT solve the problem of undocumented immigration. Only comprehensive federal reform can do this.
 
Therefore, the South Carolina Christian Action Council Board of Directors calls upon:
      
The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to declare a moratorium on immigration raids in the State of South Carolina, until our nation implements a comprehensive and just reform of our immigration laws.
The faith communities of South Carolina to engage in educational and other activities that will inform and inspire more concern and love of all persons.
All persons to move beyond attitudes of fear, jealousy, distrust, and hate to restore an atmosphere of mutual concern towards all.
 
Endorsed by the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Christian Action Council
November 7, 2008

 
ORDER 
the Yearbook of Prayer
for South Carolina 2009
 
Designed for South Carolinians serving denominations, clergy, those with worship preparation responsibilities, and indivduals who want to add a weekly focus on Justice and Unity to their prayer lives. 
 
Copies available for order
 
Cost: $1.00 per copy, first printing. Unless picking up your order from SCCAC office, please add postage & handling:
 
1-5 copies: $2.00 postage & handling
6-10 copies: $4.50 postage & handling
11-15 copies: $5.00 postage & handling
16-20 copies: $5.50 postage & handling
 
More than 20 copies? Email for postage cost or to arrange pickup.
  
Pre-print orders due on or before Friday, November 21, 2008.
 
To place an order via the internet (see link below). After clicking on the link, you will need to:
  • Complete form for payment ($1 per copy, plus postage--see above).
  • In Comment Section at the bottom of the form put "Yearbook order" and the number of copies you are ordering. Also indicate if you intend to pick up your order.
  • CLICK HERE to order via the web.

To order by mail: send a check payable to SCCAC, PO Box 3248, Columbia, SC, 29230, with the following information:

- Name
- Organization
- Mailing address for delivery
- Number of copies ordered
- Postage added
- Total amount of check
 
Orders received on or before November 21, 2008, will be ready for pick-up or mailed by Thursday, December 18, 2008.
E-newsletter Editor
South Carolina Christian Action Council