To the editor:

Gov. Brownback’s words that admitting Syrian refuges is “an unacceptable risk” and ordering state agencies not to aid in their relocation is feeding fear and xenophobia.    

In the “church world” even in just the “Christian world,” there are often disagreements about the interpretation of scripture. But in my years of being a member of a church (I grew up Baptist) and now of being a denominational leader in the United Church of Christ for almost 25 years, NEVER have I heard a dispute or disagreement about these words of Jesus:

“I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'” (Matthew 25:43-45)

As a person of faith, I am outraged and I refuse to be silent and complicit in turning our backs on the least of these. I invite others to join me in letting the governor know that this is not who we are as Christians or as people who care for all humanity. Contact the governor and refuse to be silent.