A Letter from Bishop Curry to NC Senators Dole and Burr

Dear Senator:

I am writing with regard to pending legislation before the United States Senate concerning immigration reform. I know that you have always sought to represent the people of North Carolina according to principles of fairness, justice, and human decency. In that light I ask you to support legislation that would accomplish comprehensive immigration reform providing appropriate security for our country in ways that are also humane and fair for those who seek work and better lives in our country. I would further ask you to oppose any legislation that infringes on the rights and obligations of religious and humanitarian organizations who seek and provide assistance to immigrants to our country.

The Council of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina has unanimously endorsed the following resolution which was also approved by the House of Bishops and the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, U.S.A.
"RESOLVED, that the House of Bishops, meeting at Kanuga, March 17-22, 2006, reaffirming the action of Executive Council, meeting in Philadelphia, March 6-9, 2006, declares its strong opposition to any legislation that would make it unlawful for faith-based or humanitarian organizations to act to relieve the suffering of undocumented immigrants in response to the Gospel mandate to serve the least among us and our Baptismal covenant to seek and serve Christ in all persons;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Bishops calls upon the people of the Episcopal Church to act on their Baptismal covenant without regard to such unjust legislation."

The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church recently outlined the following principles which we as a faith community believe should guide the Senate in action on immigration legislation and reform:

1. permit the orderly entry of legal workers to the US to respond to recognized labor force needs,

2. ensure that close family members be allowed to enter or be reunited with individuals legally entering the US to accept employment,

3. permit undocumented migrants residing in the US at the time of the enactment of legislation to pursue legal residence and eventual citizenship if they are employed or responding to an offer of employment,

4. ensure that migrants working legally in the US be granted the rights and benefits accorded US workers, including the right to change employment.

Please know that you and the members of the Senate remain in our prayers for God's guidance, wisdom and strength as you work for the common good.Please do not hesitate to call on me if I may be of assistance to you in this important work.

Faithfully yours,

The Right Reverend Michael B. Curry

Bishop of North Carolina

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