Dear Friends,

Currently, it is difficult to listen to or watch the news.  When we do, we sometimes wonder whether people are feeling empathy for one another, particularly when it comes to how immigrants are being treated in this country.  Jesus is quoted as saying, “I was a stranger, and you took me in.” We want people to feel safe and respected when they are interacting with us because each person has a sacred soul they can listen to.  There is no one without “that of God” within them.  This includes the people we may be rallying against or that we don’t like. There is no time or circumstance to burn bridges between us and any other people, but we are to build these bridges, and encourage each other, so that we are showing respect for “that of God” within the person, even if we are not for sure we respect that particular person. We have to behave in a way that shows self-respect and integrity.

One of the ways we can show this is to stand up for immigrant rights in as positive and honorable a way as possible.  It is important that this also be done through a reputable program.  Some of our members have gone through training from a place called PIRC (Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition) who are training people to respond when ICE does come to our town.  They are looking for people in the Southern Oregon area to help with verifying and documenting ICE behavior.  If you are interested in going through a training with them or helping to support in some other way, please contact them directly.  The PIRC page for signing up as a volunteer is https://pircoregon.org/get-involved.  The hotline to call if you see any ICE activity is 888-622-1510.

Another way to show up as a positive influencer is to participate in local activity with a good attitude and good intentions.  I was at a protest not that long ago where someone began yelling back allegations and put-downs to those supporting the “other side.”  But we only have one side, the human side, and our job is to spread empathy and compassion throughout this side, even when it is difficult.  There are activities going on in our community that you can be a part of and you are needed. Quakers have always been helping those who are oppressed or showing compassion for those whom compassion has not been shown. If you can do nothing else in this current time, pray.  You can use whatever you want to use or say, but  please “hold us in the light” and “hold the situation in the light.”  However you see the Divine, we all need to be pulling together and helping one another.

May you all feel compassion and  seek reconciliation in all of your acts, as may I.

Sincerely,

Leigh