“…I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.”
Matthew 25:35
When buses filled with tired and hungry migrants began arriving in the Washington Metro area this summer, our congregations, with characteristic compassion, were quick to respond. Our people set up welcome centers in parish halls and naves, connected individuals and families to social services, provided medical care, located shelter, and distributed clothing, shoes and toiletries to people, many of whom arrived with very few resources or none at all. Together, as a diocese, we fed their bodies and cared for their souls.
On October 27th, Bishop Mariann and a delegation of lay and ordained leaders attended the 41st annual celebration of CARECEN to accept the Saúl Solórzano Justice Award on behalf of the Episocpal Diocese of Washington, given in recognition of this important work.
Since 1981, CARECEN’s mission has been to foster the comprehensive development of the Latino population in the DC area. The award recognizes the accomplishments of an outstanding organization that has demonstrated distinguished work, and tireless efforts to promote the rights and dignity for immigrants.
We are deeply honored by this recognition. We do this work–and will continue to–because as Christians, God calls on us to welcome the stranger. In fact, God requires us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
If you would like to get involved in this Ministry of Hope, please contact the Rev. Carol Coonrod and Elizabeth Terry at St. Thomas’, Dupont Circle or the Rev. Vidal Rivas and Fatima Vasquez at St. Matthew’s/San Mateo, Hyattsville.
