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| Presiding Bishop issues statement on Senate introduction of Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori issued the following statement on the US Senate Introduction of Comprehensive Immigration Reform.
We affirm that human beings are made in the image of God, created with dignity and intrinsic value. Dignified and productive work is one way in which people give expression to that divine creativity, and people often migrate in search of it. This Church seeks to uphold the rights of people to seek dignified possibility in life - what this nation calls "the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." That includes the ability to seek work which will support and nurture individuals and their families, and the opportunity to contribute to building a just society - what the Church calls a reflection of the kingdom of God.
Immigration reform is a proximate, this-worldly, way of moving toward that vision of a just society.
The Episcopal Church has long advocated for immigration reform, and we are encouraged by many of the changes proposed in the bipartisan Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013. We thank Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John McCain (R-AZ), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) for their tireless work to reach consensus and compromise on this issue.
We are pleased to see a pathway to citizenship for those already living in the United States but caution against a pathway that involves unjust or overly onerous burdens. Unquantifiable expectations for border security are not likely to constitute a fair component of this process.
Family reunification long has been at the heart of our nation's immigration system, and we are pleased to see that the Senate bill contains significant streamlining and expediting of the reunification process for citizens and green-card holders. We do not support further restrictions on the ability of residents to bring family members to join them. We are gravely disappointed, however, that even as many families will experience the joy of reunification, some families and family members have been excluded from the Senate bill. As the process moves forward, we will strongly urge the inclusion of same-sex partners and spouses in the legislation. Every family deserves to live in unity.
We are delighted at the proposals to expedite the regularizing of the status of children unknowingly brought to this country, and realizing the hopes initially raised in the DREAM Act. The bipartisan bill's additional protections for vulnerable migrant children, asylum seekers and refugees, and - for the first time under U.S. law - the stateless, also will come as welcome news to Episcopal communities, many of whom work daily to help these populations rebuild their lives peacefully in the United States.
Efforts to expand the creativity and productivity of United States society through a variety of guest worker visas that include access to a pathway to citizenship certainly accord with priorities of The Episcopal Church, particularly when they answer the hopes and dreams of those in other parts of the world seeking work. We applaud provisions within the bill to protect foreign workers brought to the U.S. through abuse and trafficking and will continue to advocate that all visas are provided in ways that are not exploitative.
As lawmakers prepare to debate this historic step toward comprehensive immigration reform, Episcopalians stand ready to advocate for policies that build a just and welcoming society for all God's people.
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church |
| Best Practices conference this Saturday at London High School
For those planning to attend the CoCL Best Practices Conference this Saturday with keynote speaker Diana Butler Bass, just a reminder that the event will take place at London High School, located at 336 Elm Street in London.
The high school is about 10 miles northeast of Procter Center. From Procter Center, travel north on State Route 38 7.8 miles and continue on to Midway Street. Turn right onto W. High Street and then take a slight left onto Elm St. London High School will be on the right side.
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Register now for Forming the Household of God
A conference for family and intergenerational formation 
The Formation Task Force invites you to a conference discussing family and intergenerational formation on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Procter Center.
The Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner will be the keynote speaker, joined by Holly Hughes Stoner, who are both founding staff members of Living Compass Ministries ( www.LivingCompass.org). Together they bring experience with an intergenerational approach to family wellness that will help participants learn how to love God with heart, soul, strength and mind.
Workshops will be offered that day to aid and support formation for all ages, including issues related to parent, elder, teen, and children's formation, to name a few.
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Time for Phase 2 of virtual tour project
Spring has sprung, and
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scheduling for Phase 2 of our project to offer 360-degree virtual tours of all our congregations on Google+ has begun.
In 2012, 19 congregations from all around the diocese and the Procter Center were able to add a 360-degree virtual tour to their online presence at no cost to the congregation. These tours are a great way to invite someone to check out your space from the comfort of their own computer - and remove just one more barrier that may be stopping them from becoming a part of your community.
A new, exciting additional benefit is that the tours are now available on mobile Google Maps. That means when someone finds your location on a mobile Google Map, they can directly view the virtual tour from their smartphone!
Several congregations are already in line for this year, and routes are being established to more efficiently photograph each geographic area of the diocese. Are you interested in being one of them? Check out more information at http://www.diosohio.org/google360tours.html to see links to all the existing tours and find out more information about how your church can get on the list. The diocese is committed to finishing this project by 2014, so even if you aren't ready this year, be thinking about scheduling for next year.
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Upcoming Events
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Click here to see the diocesan calendar |
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Calling all registered nurses!
 Procter Summer Camp is in need of nurses (licensed RNs or LPNs) who would like to volunteer their time and talent this summer at Procter Summer Camp. It is required that we have a nurse on-site during all camp sessions, and we need your help to make this happen!
If you, or someone you know, may be interested in volunteering for a 3-day or week-long session between June 7 and August 6, to serve as our camp nurse, please contact Camp Director, Rob Konkol at youth@diosohio.org.
See the 2013 camp schedule
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Integrity Cincinnati
 Integrity Cincinnati invites you to attend the initial chapter meeting to be held at Grace Church, College Hill, on Friday, April 26, starting at 7 p.m.
IntegrityUSA is a leading voice for the GLBT Community in the Episcopal Church. The meeting will begin with a Eucharist followed by a "get-together" in the Great Hall. Priests and deacons wishing to participate in the service should bring an alb and a white stole.
Grace Church is located at 5501 Hamilton Avenue in Cincinnati. For more information call 513.868.8843.
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Summer in the City Camps at Christ Church Cathedral  Children who appreciate singing or painting will enjoy one (or both!) week-day camps offered by Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Cincinnati this summer. The camps will be led by professional musicians and artists who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, inspiration and spirituality with children. The choir camp will run from Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26. Monday through Thursday, the program will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. On Friday, the program will end at 5 p.m., followed by a dinner and a service of Holy Eucharist. The camp is open to children in grades two through eight. The art camp will run from Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2. Monday through Thursday, the program will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. On Friday, the program will begin at 9 a.m. and will conclude at noon with a celebration lunch, which will be prepared and served to the children and families. The art camp is open to children ages 6 to 12. The cost for each camp is $100 per child, $50 for each additional child within the same family. Scholarships are available. The registration deadline for both camps is June 1, but early registration is encouraged. Space is limited. For more information and to download a registration form or flyer, visit www.christchurchcincinnati.org/camps. Christ Church Cathedral is located at 318 East Fourth Street (Fourth & Sycamore) in downtown Cincinnati. For more information call 513.621.1817. |
Bast Preaching Fellowship
July 29 - August 2
Western Theological Seminary
Applications accepted until April 30, 2013.
A newly revised component of the Bast Preaching Program at Western Theological Seminary creates a summer learning community of eight pastors who come together for a week at Western for group discussions, reading, personal study and rest. Facilitators will guide the week-long experience, not only for the personal growth and inspiration of a pastor, but to also connect passionate preachers with one another. This fellowship is especially helpful for those pastors who have been preaching frequently for a number of years. Learn more and get your application at http://www.westernsem.edu/journey/bast-preaching/ |
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Headlines from Episcopal News Service |
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