Helping the Vulnerable and Oppressed

Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin.

James 4:17

Helping the Vulnerable and Oppressed

DEACONS MINISTER AT THE BORDER

A group of deacons and parishioners from the Diocese of Texas embarked on a learning and service pilgrimage in late July to San Antonio, McAllen, and Brownsville, Texas. They brought donations from a diocesan-wide drive, and they traveled the pilgrimage in witness to the experiences of vulnerable immigrants and asylum seekers. From an excerpt of their reflection, published on the Episcopal Diocese of Texas website: “Before leaving, we asked what more we could do? Each of the organizations need cash donations and specific material goods which are listed on their respective websites. They also need volunteers and people to advocate and come alongside them in providing basic humanitarian aid and welcome. But first, they asked that we simply carry back what we saw to our church communities, ‘Tell what you saw, tell the truth’. And that truth included smiles, kindness, hope and ‘our seeing Jesus with skin on’ in the asylum seekers who, like the infant Jesus, are seeking refuge. We experienced the same with the volunteers and staff we visited in each location. That truth is also the hard truth of the suffering and violence these families have fled to find a place where they can live safely.” Archdeacon Russ Oechsel and Diocesan Liaison for Refugee Resettlement Alyssa Stebbing led the group of eight deacons, an Iona School diaconal student and six parishioners from around the diocese. Learn more about the trip, donation and service opportunities by contacting Alyssa Stebbing at refugeeliaison@gmail.com. Information about Episcopal Migration Ministries and its program, Partners In Welcome, can be found at epicenter.org/migration.

PROYECTO SANTIAGO EMPOWERS AUSTIN IMMIGRANTS

Proyecto Santiago, a missional community of St. James’, Austin, continues to empower Austin area immigrants by helping them prepare a power of attorney and caregiver affidavits. Its founder, the Rev. Jim Harrington, a newlyordained priest serving at St. James’, Austin, and human rights attorney, is organizing immigration forums in various locations within the city of Austin to help with this service. “It’s an easy enough thing for people to do,” said Harrington. “It’s an easy service for us to provide, but it can have a great consequence for a family.” Harrington explains that more and more deportations have taken place since the introduction of SB 4, and having a power of attorney letter, can prevent kids from being separated from their relatives. The workshops are conducted by volunteers and lawyers and take place in parishes and schools. Harrington received a grant from the Texas Bar Foundation as well as a grant from Bishop Andy Doyle to make this happen. “The Gospel has always motivated me throughout my life to do the work of the Gospel, and clearly helping poor people, helping immigrants is certainly a mandate from the Gospel,” said Harrington.