RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina Council of Churches has sent a formal letter, signed by the leadership of the denominational members of the Council, to the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association. The letter acknowledges the vital role that sheriffs play in fostering trust and ensuring public safety and appeals to law enforcement leaders to prioritize community relationships and safeguard vulnerable residents from undue harm. Furthermore, the denominational leaders are requesting a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Sheriffs’ Association to discuss their concerns about law enforcement engagement with immigrant communities.
The letter stresses the moral and theological imperative to care for immigrants, referencing scriptural mandates to welcome and protect the stranger. The letter raises concerns about the impact of North Carolina HB10 as well as the recent rescission of sensitive locations such as churches by the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Welcoming the stranger and protecting the sojourner among us is a constant theme throughout the scriptures shared by the Christian and Jewish faiths. Recent legislation is in direct contradiction to this biblical imperative and we believe it’s incumbent on people of faith to speak up publicly when this happens. It is also our responsibility to work with those elected to serve and protect our communities, like sheriffs, to seek common ground on the best way to insure everyone feels welcome,” stated the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director of the North Carolina Council of Churches.
The Council letter to the sheriffs states, “When the day comes that these drastic and dangerous policies become history, the trust created by your actions now will go a long way toward restoring confidence among all of us—especially among those you serve.”
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Founded in 1935, the North Carolina Council of Churches enables denominations, congregations, and people of faith to impact our state on issues such as racial equity, farmworker rights, environment, LGBTQ+ rights, economic justice and development, human well-being, equality, compassion and peace, following the example and mission of Jesus Christ. The Council is made of 26 distinct judicatories from 18 denominations. Across the state, our members have over 6,200 congregations. For more information about the Council’s 85-year history, visit www.ncchurches.org. To stay up to date on progressive, faith-based news, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Contact Person
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland
Executive Director
North Carolina Council of Churches
jennifer@ncchurches.org
(919) 828-6501 Ext. 101
