Congregation stands by Syrian refugees coming to Reno

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada believes that refugees and immigrants are a part of our nation's history and future. The current executive order on immigration does not represent our congregation’s values or the better virtues of this republic. As Unitarian Universalists, our support of refugees is guided by our seven principles, which include the inherent worth and dignity of every person; equity and compassion in human relations; and the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.

Unitarian Universalists have been assisting refugees since 1939, and we are seeing history repeat itself in harmful ways. In that same year, our federal government turned away hundreds of Jewish refugees aboard a passenger ship because it was believed German spies were on board among the refugees fleeing persecution. The ship returned to Europe, and at least a quarter of the passengers were later killed. We cannot help but see a strong parallel with the past, with this new generation of refugees being told that the shining city on the hill is closed to them indefinitely.

In continuation of our history of service and in accordance with our principles, our congregation decided last fall to sponsor a family of refugees, no matter their origin. We followed the brave examples of local churches and a synagogue who were already successfully assisting with the integration of other refugee families. The Northern Nevada International Center worked as the official resettlement agency, and we set up a sponsorship committee that soon started collecting material and financial donations.

Later, we learned that our “adoptees” were a family from Syria with four children, including a baby. We felt perfectly comfortable welcoming and supporting this Syrian family knowing that they had gone through 18 to 36 months of investigation by six different U.S. agencies including the FBI and Department of Defense.

We were eager for this family to come to know that home means Nevada. They were set to arrive sometime in the weeks after the inauguration. We were let down when we learned that we may never meet them. We were heartbroken when we imagined them being told that after spending years in the refugee pipeline, they would be unable to find safe haven in a community that has welcomed so many others of diverse backgrounds.

In our spiritual community, we light a flaming chalice which represents sacrifice and love, the light of reason, the warmth of community, and the flame of hope. We believe that these are not purely Unitarian ideals but human and especially American beliefs.

We will not withdraw; we will reach out. We will not fear; we will show empathy. We hope you join us.

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada was founded in January 1959. This column was submitted by member Evan Waldt and approved by The Rev. Neal T. Anderson.