A largely silent, slowly growing disaster continues wreaking havoc on the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of poor rice farming families in the Irrawaddy River delta of far Southwest Myanmar (Burma). This is an area much of the world first knew of only because the massively destructive Cyclone Nargis, which made news headlines five years ago. Because of …
Church World Service Condemns House’s Discriminatory, Anti-Refugee Vote
WASHINGTON – Despite the repeated calls of refugees, faith leaders and community groups to oppose anti-refugee legislation, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4038, the so-called “American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act.” If this legislation passes the Senate and becomes law, it would grind refugee resettlement to a halt for refugees from Syria and Iraq, including individuals who …
National Religious Leaders Urge Governors and Congress to Stop Anti-Refugee Rhetoric and Proposals
November 18, 2015
WASHINGTON – Following announcements from 31 governors that their states will not accept Syrian refugees, and in anticipation of a congressional vote on similar legislation, Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Jewish and Muslim leaders united in opposition to anti-refugee proposals and rhetoric. “We need to make sure that we do not perpetuate the sense of terror that people are already feeling. We …
CWS Condemns Attacks in Paris, Beirut and Baghdad; Prays for Peace
November 16, 2015
Washington – Church World Service President and CEO, the Rev. John L. McCullough condemned the recent series of attacks in France, Lebanon and Iraq that have left hundreds dead and injured. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Paris, Beirut and Baghdad,” McCullough said. “These horrendous attacks impact us all. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, …
Governors Rejecting Syrian Refugees are Ignoring the Robust Security of U. S. Resettlement Process; Reality that Refugees are Victims of ISIS
WASHINGTON – Responding to recent announcements of certain governors that they will not accept Syrian refugees for resettlement in their states, Church World Service President and CEO, the Rev. John L. McCullough, urged public officials to avoid knee-jerk reactions, to reject misplaced blame and to stand in solidarity with Syrian refugees, who are themselves victims of ISIS. “These governors have …
Supporting Burundian refugees in Tanzania
Davide Prata | November 13, 2015
I am sitting on an old wooden school desk in the youth center of Nduta refugee camp. I am looking at more than fifty single mothers, all of them refugees from Burundi. Today we are all attending a training organized by CWS, in partnership with Tanganyika Christian Refugee Service, to raise awareness on human rights and prevention of gender based …
Small steps towards welcoming communities
Erol Kekic | November 11, 2015
Just over two months ago, the world was held captive by the image of a Syrian toddler who tragically drown as he and his family fled the widespread violence in their home country. His photo and the story of his family’s struggle to seek safety touched the hearts of millions and gave the tragic situation in Syria a human face, …
Religious leaders call Fifth Circuit ruling on immigration unjust, call on Supreme Court to take it up
November 10, 2015
WASHINGTON – Following the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Texas v. U.S., religious leaders and faith-based organizations across the country are asking the Supreme Court to support the Obama administration’s appeal and reverse the ruling. Last November, President Obama announced executive actions to create the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) program and expand the Deferred Action …
Historic Election Day in Myanmar
Yoko Ito | November 9, 2015
As I went to sleep in a very quiet Yangon last night, I was hopeful that all of Myanmar would remain calm as results from historic elections, which I am privileged to witness, came in. Waking up to the news that the National League for Democracy – the opposition party of the famous democracy activist and leader, Aung San Suu …
Emergency Situation Report Update: Haiti-Dominican Republic Statelessness
November 6, 2015
Situation Since March, thousands of Haitian migrants have returned to Haiti from the Dominican Republic due to pressure from recent Dominican Republic regulations. Voluntary and forceful returns are resulting in constant waves of Haitian migrants returning all along the border. There is no operational governmental plan to welcome them back. In the border area of Anse à Pitres, returnees have …