Episcopal Diocese of San Diego - Press Release - March 9, 2007

Episcopal Diocese moves to advocacy on behalf of Comprehensive Immigration
Reform.

UCSD Campus Missioner joins Lobby Day in Washington D.C.

In early February, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego overwhelmingly
passed a resolution supporting fundamental and humane immigration
principles. On March 14th, Mike Angell, UCSD Episcopal Campus Missioner,
will join Justice Overcoming Boundaries (J.O.B.) and represent the
Episcopal Diocese at a National Lobby day in Washington D.C.

"The FIRM (Fair Immigration Reform Movement) Lobby Day, "The Time Is Now,"
will bring immigrant community leaders and key local allies to Washington,
DC from all over the nation to shape Comprehensive Immigration Reform
legislation and push Congress to act fast. Before Members of Congress put
their pens down, we will let Congress know what we like in the bill and
what needs improvement.  The timing of the FIRM Grassroots Lobby Day will
give us the best shot at exerting maximum impact on the legislation - and
make a real difference." More information about this coalition is
available at http://www.fairimmigration.org/about/

Together with other delegates from San Diego, and close to 400 Grassroots
leaders from around the country, Mike will meet with Senators on the
Judiciary Committee to express their support for comprehensive immigration
reform. He carries with him a copy of the resolution as well as a letter
from The Right Rev.  James R. Mathes, Episcopal Bishop of San Diego,
encouraging comprehensive reform legislation.

For more information contact Mike Angell at 619-255-6321,


The Episcopal Diocese Resolution is a follows:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego receive ³The Alien
Among You² in the Blue Book Report of the Standing Commission on Anglican
and International Peace with Justice Concerns, and, while recognizing the
duty and right of a sovereign nation to protect and defend its borders,
adopt the following fundamental principles:

Currently undocumented aliens should have reasonable opportunity to
pursue permanent residency.

Workers should be allowed to enter the United States legally to respond
to recognized labor force needs.

Close family members should be allowed to reunite without undue delay
with individuals lawfully present in the United States.

Fundamental U.S. principles of legal due process should be granted all
immigrants.

Enforcement of national borders and immigration policies should be
proportional and humane.

AND BE IT RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego deplore any
action by the Government of the United States which unduly emphasizes
enforcement, including militarization of the border between the United
States and Mexico, as the primary response to immigrants entering the
United States to work, and

AND BE IT RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego undertake a
campaign to educate Episcopalians as to the plight of refugees,
immigrants, and migrants, which will include information about the root
causes of migration, and

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this campaign call the Episcopal Diocese of
San Diego to commit to welcoming strangers as a matter of Christian
responsibility, to advocate for their wellbeing and protection.