Regarding “Faith-based groups turn up the heat on ICE” (Page F3, Sunday), it was very gratifying to read the article that highlighted the response of both the Unitarian Universalist Association and the American Friends Service Committee to the inhumane abuses of ICE. It was particularly so given the opinion piece in the same section by Robert Zaretsky asking, “Why are Texas pastors staying silent about refugees?” which criticized some of Houston’s “most prominent Protestant authorities who have not uttered a word.” I also applaud the coverage of Saturday’s nationwide protests against the horrific practice of separating asylum-seeking parents from their children.
Unitarian Universalists from around the metropolitan area attended the Houston City Hall rally as did many other progressive people of faith. Indeed, UUs and other progressive people of faith have been taking public action to support immigration justice for years because the current U.S. immigration system violates the core beliefs of many religious traditions — the inherent worth and dignity of every person and the imperative for a compassionate response to injustice. Those beliefs are epitomized by the story of the Good Samaritan which Zaretsky would have those who remain silent re-read. The question, “And who is our neighbor?” is just as urgent as it was 75 years ago.
Rev. Dr. Becky Edmiston-Lange, Senior Minister, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, Houston
