Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM)

Refugee Resettlement Services

"Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured." Hebrews 13:1-3

What is EMM and what does it do?
Episcopal Migration Ministries is the refugee resettlement and immigrant advocacy program of the Episcopal Church. It continues to carry out the ministry it began over 60 years ago to relieve the burden of the world's suffering through refugee resettlement and assistance to immigrants. It is one of 10 U.S. resettlement agencies working in a public-private partnership with the U.S. government. EMM resettles between 2500-3500 refugees each year through its network of 33 affiliate offices in 27 dioceses of the Episcopal Church. At the heart of the ministry are Episcopal parishes and other faith communities serving refugees in a variety of ways, including contributions, advocacy, volunteering and co-sponsorship.

Who are refugees?
Refugees are defined by the United Nations as "people who have been forced from their homes and countries across borders due to well- founded fears of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group." While some may eventually be able to return to their home country, many languish in dangerous situations, and some can never return to their country of origin and need resettlement if they are ever to be safe and free. There are over 14 million refugees and millions more forcibly displaced persons in the world today; less than 1% of refugees are able to resettle to a third country.

Refugees come from Africa, Europe, Near East, Former Soviet Union, Asia and Latin America. Co-sponsorship is offered without regard to national origin, race or religion.

How are Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston and Refugee Services of Texas involved?
EMM contracts with Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston and Refugee Services of Texas-Austin for casework and resettlement services in their respective cities. Each agency employs diverse staff members who speak many languages and assist refugees by meeting them at the airport, providing housing, cultural orientation, helping them apply for their documents, assisting with employment and school enrollment. The agencies are responsible for helping the clients become independent and self-sufficient within a few months of their arrival in the U.S.

Donations of furniture, household goods, certain clothing items, diapers, school supplies, and food are always needed. Each agency has lists of specific items and information for parishes and groups wanting to conduct a donation drive. Most needed are volunteers who wish to interact with and welcome the refugees to their new communities. Through donations of furnishings, household goods, clothing, groceries, and rental assistance, co-sponsors assist in the initial apartment setup. Through volunteering time and offering personal interaction, co-sponsors support the family and affiliate in the acculturation phase of resettlement. Co-sponsoring teams assist with grocery shopping, transportation to appointments, cultural orientation appointments, advocacy for refugees, field trips, school registration, Social Security application appointments, English skill development, employment efforts, life skill development and friendly visits as part of the welcome process in support of the family.

"…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me….Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."

Matthew 25: 35-36, 40

Why is refugee resettlement a ministry of the church?
The Gospel mandate to extend hospitality to strangers and our Baptismal covenant to "seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourself… to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being" call us to this ministry. The story of the Good Samaritan reminds us to invest ourselves in healing and serving needs of others regardless of circumstance. As Easter people, we are committed to restoring hope to people who have been betrayed, victimized and who have lost all that was dear to them, including their self worth and identity. As co-sponsors, churches can reach out in love and welcome to the refugee and offer not only material support, but encouragement and respect as the refugee begins the hard work of rebuilding his life in a new land. Participation is transformational for all involved— the refugees and those reaching out to them.

Statement by Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on Refugee Resettlement Services Read this now

Contact:
Deacon Linda Shelton serves as the Diocesan Liaison for Refugee Resettlement and can be reached at 713-529-6196 for information, program presentations and resources on refugees.

Links:
EMM Episcopal Migration Ministries
Interfaith Ministry of Greater Houston
United Nations High Commission for Refugees