THE effects of President Donald Trump’s orders halting the United States’ refugee-assistance and overseas-aid programmes are already being felt, as charities lay off staff and slash support services.
Episcopal Migration Ministries, an arm of the Episcopal Church in the US, which had a contract with the US government to help to settle refugees, is making 22 staff redundant after the new President’s first-day executive order halting the country’s refugee-resettlement programme.
The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Dr Sean Rowe, announced the “painful” decision. Writing to church leaders, he said: “These departing employees have every reason to be angry, frustrated and frightened at this end of the work to which they have devoted their energy in recent years. I am also grieving the loss of this refugee resettlement ministry and the end of this season of our ministry.
“Please know, however, that an end of federal funding for Episcopal Migration Ministries does not mean an end to the Episcopal Church’s commitment to stand with migrants and with our congregations who serve vulnerable immigrants and refugees. As Christians, our faith is shaped by the biblical story of people whom God led into foreign countries to escape oppression, and no change in political fortunes can dissuade us from answering God’s call to welcome the stranger.”
A statement from Episcopal Migration ministries said: “The end of federal funding for Episcopal Migration Ministries does not mean an end for EMM — or to The Episcopal Church’s commitment to stand with migrants. We are working now to provide support and resources to dioceses and congregations involved in migrant ministry and to learn from local diocesan leaders how we can continue to partner in this vital ministry.”
Episcopal Migration Ministries was one of ten agencies with government contracts to resettle refugees.
Other agencies are left scrambling for donations to carry on their work. One, Church World Service (CWS), urged its supporters to make donations to allow some of its work to continue. “The refugees we serve every day deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives in dignity and become thriving members of our communities. Since World War Two, the refugee resettlement program has received overwhelming bipartisan support and has been an important tool in enhancing our nation’s international standing and national security,” Erol Kekic, of CWS, said.
“This administration is turning its back not only on our proud history, but on many of the families that they now call allies — including Afghans and Ukrainians we have promised to stand behind — and who are vital members of our communities.”
Bethany Christian Services, which also had a federal contract to support resettlement, issued a statement in which it said that it “appreciated the President’s commitment to our country’s safety”, but added: “Providing protection to those seeking safety is one of our nation’s proudest and longest standing traditions.
“The temporary suspension of refugee resettlement efforts will cause significant impact to vulnerable men, women, and children legally seeking safety and hope in our nation.”
It also pledged to continue to work with President Trump’s administration to try to resume the resettlement programme and advise on “long-term solutions”.
“We are living in the largest refugee crisis the world has ever experienced. In times of uncertainty, our Christian faith will serve as a source of strength and inspiration. . . Our faith calls us to be a beacon of hope and love, especially to our staff and clients. Bethany will continue to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus to refugees through exceptional programming.
“Now, more than ever, we call upon Christian communities across the nation to band together and support the growing needs facing children and families. This is an opportunity to invest in charitable giving so that Bethany Christian Services can continue to provide the critical services our clients desperately need, delivered with the excellence for which Bethany is renowned.”
The new administration has also announced a funding freeze on almost all foreign aid. As a result, Cristosal, a charity that is linked to the Episcopal Church and works to defend human rights in Central America, has been forced to terminate its programme and cut staff. It provided support for 1600 people who had been internally displaced.
Founded by clergy in El Salvador and the US, it also works in Guatemala and Honduras. The director, Noah Bullock, told the Episcopal News Service: “The work of a human-rights organisation is a partnership between courageous victims seeking justice, defending rights, and rebuilding lives, and the committed professionals who accompany them often at great risk to themselves. Laying off human rights defenders is uniquely painful, because both victims and defenders are left unprotected.”
The charity gets some funding from private donors, including the Rockefeller Foundation and individual Episcopal churches, and hopes to continue to offer legal representation for victims of violence and corruption.
Paul Vallely, page 15
