At their meeting on Monday, February 6, 2017 the North Church Session unanimously passed the following motion supporting refugees:

The Session of North Presbyterian Church, Williamsville, New York, representing its congregation, supports refugees and their continued resettlement in the United States.

North Church has been involved in refugee resettlement for many years. In the fall of 2016, help was extended to the Eritrean family whose apartment we furnished.

Currently, we are again preparing to welcome and sponsor an Afghan refugee family here in Buffalo/Western New York.  Working with our community partner, Journey’s End, plans are to furnish an apartment and provide rent assistance.

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its predecessor denominations have consistently called the church to welcome refugees in the name of Jesus. This call began with the 160th General Assembly (1948) and continues through the 22nd General (2016).

J. Herbert Nelson II, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), released a statement condemning the order banning refugees’ entry into the U.S.:

“…With every choice of welcome we enter into relationship with people who become neighbors, friends, and family. No administration can convince us to fear.

We oppose this administration’s decision to prolong each and every refugee’s wait for a place to call home under the false pretense of security. We stand ready to welcome our new neighbors, friends, and family of all faiths and nations.”

Read the Clerk’s full statement.

Here are links to Refugee Screening Process and Executive Order FAQ.