An open sign-on letter on immigration.

Last month, the 68th Wyoming Legislature convened in Cheyenne and Donald J. Trump was sworn in as president of the United States. As people of faith, we pray that our elected officials will have the wisdom and strength to be filled with the love of truth and justice and govern with the well-being of all people in mind.

Through the history of America, we are shaped by the stories of the stranger, the immigrant, the alien, the sojourner, those who are lost. And we are called to welcome all of these people and love them as our neighbors. 

In Leviticus 19:34 we are told, “The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” 

There can be no confusion about our obligation, especially for those of us who belong to Judeo-Christian traditions. We are bound to care for one another and, very specifically, we are called to extend hospitality to the stranger. 

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.” Zechariah 7:9-10

Further, our adherence to the Constitution and our belief in the vision of this nation’s founders compels us to recognize the importance of the First Amendment. 

On the first day of the Trump Administration, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded long-standing ICE policy restricting enforcement actions in sensitive locations, including houses of worship, thereby deterring immigrants and their families from worshipping in person and violating their First Amendment rights to freely associate and exercise religion. 

We must advocate that churches, synagogues, and all houses of worship continue to be safe places for all people.

Acknowledging that people in Wyoming have genuine concerns for their neighbor and for all people–including the poor, the immigrant, the widow, the orphan–and knowing that more proposed legislation and executive orders may advance, we call on Wyoming people of faith to extend God’s grace and compassion to our vulnerable brothers and sisters who are here seeking, like us, a chance for a better life.

Stand with us.

Bradson Abrams
Rev. Jami Anderson
Rev. Jordan Bishop
Cynthia Barski
Cate Cundall
Allen Doyle, Director of Campus Ministry
Rev. Annemarie Delgado
Rev. Mary Erickson
Rev. Michael Evers
Rev. Robert Garrard
Rev. Pamela Glasser
Rev. Travis Helms
Liz Hills
Kris Korfanta
Maggie Land
Rodger McDaniel
Rev. Elizabeth Mount
Rosa Reyna-Pugh
Lindsay Simineo
Jen Simon
Rev. Juanita Smith