Refugee Bill Wins Council Endorsement
Episcopal News Service. April 26, 1979 [79128]
GREENWICH, Conn. -- Refugee matters were a major concern of the Episcopal Church's 41-member Executive Council as it sought ways both to increase placement and help revamp the legal tangle of immigration law.
Acting after examination by a legal expert, the Council -- meeting here April 19-20 -- voted to support the proposed Refugee Act of 1979 -- which is currently before Congress -- and to urge members of the Church to study "and if appropriate, encourage and support its enactment."
The bill involves a major rewriting of refugee policy and was sought by President Carter in the wake of the first crises involving the flood of refugee "boat people" from Indochina. It provides for automatic admission of up to 50,000 refugees a year without further review.
In its resolution, the Council also asked that Congress consider an amendment to the bill which would require review and approval by the Congress -- rather than just designated members as currently proposed -- for any action exceeding that 50,000 person figure.
The Council then turned to refugee placement with two resolutions designed to encourage the development of refugee ministry as part of the continuing work of the Church.
The first of these commends the people and congregations who have responded to the crisis in Indochinese settlement and have helped place the 650 refugees since Jan. 1. The resolution notes that this is about two-thirds of the Church's fair share commitment to place 1, 000 people and urges "that the Episcopal Church continue its outreach in the sponsorship and resettlement of refugees admitted to the United States."
It also extends the contract of the Rev. John Huston who has been working as a consultant in this field to help develop and sustain placement and resettlement networks throughout the Church.
A second resolution commends the actions of the board for the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief for its commitment to this ministry and asks continued staff and financial support for the work including a survey of Episcopal Church Center staff members whose ministries may touch refugee situations.