Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Call for Compassion Towards Immigrants

This coalition of churches is circulating a petition asking for compassion and dignity for immigrants. They are asking that laws be enacted to help these people. DP


WTVQ.com: Organizers of the Kentucky Faith Communities Immigration Coalition have put together a petition, calling on lawmakers to create legislation that takes a more compassionate approach to illegal immigration.

The coalition includes various faiths, including Jewish, Catholic, Presbyterian and independent Christians.

Organizers want laws that affirm an illegal immigrant's dignity and preserves their families.

They say they also want to see the conversation about immigrants and illegal immigration change.

"As a council of churches, however, we have to say that we are often appalled that the language used in discussions about immigrants and immigration reform," said Reverend Nancy Jo Kemper of the Kentucky Council of Churches. "Behind the comments about those people, we often perceive a racism and xenophobia."

So far the group has collected more than 2,000 signatures and says it expects to get more from members of at least 3,000 other congregations around the state.

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