Mayor's Interfaith Council Makes Statement on Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric

In response to recent incidents that have negatively impacted perceptions of the immigrant community, both nationally and regionally, the Mayor's Interfaith Council expresses deep concern over actions that foster division and unjust condemnation.

The Islamic faith has a rich history of migration. Judaism places great value on welcoming the stranger. Matthew 25:35-45 calls on Christians to welcome immigrants, while the Hindu faith teaches that "the world is one family;" though we may look different outwardly, our essence is the same.

We could continue to cite more teachings, but regardless of our individual faiths, they all affirm that all humans are equal, regardless of age, color, gender, or religion. They call on us to build the human family, recognizing the God-given dignity and rights of immigrants, which transcend the boundaries set by nations or international bodies. This culture of inclusion aligns not only with our religious values but also with the belief that Evansville is for Everyone.

We extend our warm embrace to our immigrant brothers and sisters-Haitian, Marshallese, Palestinian, Nigerian, Hispanic, and all others who have joined us in this community-reflecting Christ's love and the compassion of all faiths. Your cultures enrich our city and align with our core values, guiding us to foster unity and compassion for all. We look forward to you and your families contributing to the ongoing progress of our city.

This is why we stand united in support of the immigrant community here in Evansville. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to building a community where all people, regardless of origin, are treated with respect, dignity, and love.

Father Alex Zenthoefer, Catholic Diocese of Evansville
Rabbi Gary Mazo, Temple Adath B'nai Israel
Dr. Mohammad Hussain, Islamic Society of Evansville
The Reverend Jerusha Van Camp of the Presbytery of the Ohio Valley PCUSA
Pastor Ryan F. Jackson, New Hope Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Todd A. Gile, Trinity United Methodist Church
Rev. Andy Payton, Methodist Temple UMC
Chad Monroe, Evansville Indiana Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Abraham Brown, Latino Ministerial Association
Phil Heller, Crossroads Christian Church
Dr. Adrian M. Brooks, Sr., Memorial Baptist Church
Karuna Pandit, Tri-State Hindu Temple
Sr. Jane Michele McClure, OSB, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville

INDIVIDUAL STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE MAYOR'S INTERFAITH COUNCIL

Father Alex Zenthoefer, Catholic Diocese of Evansville:

"Jesus identified with newcomers ('I was a stranger and you welcomed me'), and in the Catholic tradition, newcomers reflect the image of God. Catholic teaching views immigration as an opportunity to build the human family, recognizing the God-given dignity and rights of immigrants, which transcend the boundaries set by nations or international bodies."

Rabbi Gary Mazo, Temple Adath B'nai Israel:

"Judaism places great value on welcoming the stranger, a practice rooted in the story of Abraham in the Book of Genesis. As people who have long faced persecution and migration barriers, we deeply understand the pain of being unwelcome. Leviticus 19:33-34 commands us to love and treat strangers as our own, remembering that we, too, were once strangers in Egypt. We are morally obligated to extend compassion to immigrants, not despite their status as strangers, but because of it."

Dr. Mohammad Hussain, Islamic Society of Evansville:

"The Muslim faith teaches respect for the rights of all people, especially immigrants and refugees. Islam has a rich history of migration, from the Quran's accounts of Prophet Abraham and Moses to the migration of early Muslims to Abyssinia and Prophet Mohammad's journey from Mecca to Medina. Islam teaches that all humans are equal, regardless of race, color, gender, or religion. The Quran says, 'Among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the differences in your languages and colors' (Quran 30:22). Islamic teachings emphasize helping the needy, travelers, and the oppressed, asking, 'What has happened to you that you do not struggle in the way of God for the oppressed among men, women, and children?' (Quran 4:75)."

The Reverend Jerusha Van Camp of the Presbytery of the Ohio Valley PCUSA:

"We believe in a God who himself became a refugee in Egypt. Our sacred texts tell the stories of immigrants continuously called to lands unknown. Matthew 25:35-45 calls Christians to welcome immigrants, knowing that in doing so, we welcome Christ. We are committed to providing hospitality and doing justice for all people, and we celebrate the gifts and contributions of immigrants to Evansville."

Pastor Ryan F. Jackson, New Hope Baptist Church:

"Everyone has a place in Evansville. Our love for all people is paramount, as demonstrated in Scripture. It is God's will that every person is treated with courtesy, kindness, and respect. We extend our warm embrace to the migrant community, reflecting Christ's love. Romans 15:7 states, 'Therefore, accept each other just as Christ accepted you, so that God will be given glory.' Our community is better because we affirm that all people are welcome."

Rev. Dr. Todd A. Gile, Trinity United Methodist Church and Rev. Andy Payton, Methodist Temple UMC:

"The United Methodist Church recognizes, embraces, and affirms all persons, regardless of country of origin, as members of the family of God. We urge society to recognize the gifts, contributions, and struggles of immigrants and advocate for justice for all."

Chad Monroe, Evansville Indiana Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

"The Savior taught that 'neighbor' includes all of God's children, everywhere, at all times. We follow Christ by loving our neighbors and striving to create a just and caring society that promotes love and family cohesion. No matter how someone arrived here, our concern is that they are children of Heavenly Father, and they need help. We are here to provide that help, to love them as God would if He were here."

Abraham Brown, Latino Ministerial Association:

"Our migrant community has been a blessing to Evansville. The spirit of welcome extended to our immigrant brothers and sisters is a hallmark of the inclusive culture we cherish. This culture enriches our city and aligns with our faith principles, guiding us to foster unity and compassion for all."

Phil Heller, Crossroads Christian Church:

"Jesus made room for everyone, especially those who felt rejected, mistreated, left out, or viewed as outsiders. Jesus tore down racial and lines of division by being full of grace and truth. No one was considered an outcast to Jesus. Jesus told a parable about how to love others like we were loving Him and said, "when I was a stranger, you welcomed me in" (Matthew 25:35b). Living and loving like Jesus requires all who follow Him to see the world through His eyes."

Dr. Adrian M. Brooks, Sr., Memorial Baptist Church:

"To all my Haitian, Marshallese, Palestinian, Nigerian, and Hispanic brothers and sisters, thank you for blessing us with your presence here in Evansville, Indiana. You bring new energy and creativity to our community. We look forward to you and your family facilitating the ongoing progress of our city. Please share with us your cultural heritage and your thoughts. We are grateful to God that you are now a part of our community. May the Lord bless you and as you bless us with the many positive insights and global perspectives that you bring. Shalom."

Karuna Pandit, Tri-State Hindu Temple:

"As a Hindu I believe in the saying "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" which means "The world is one family". We all may look different outwardly, but our essence is the same. A culture of inclusion not only aligns with our religious values but also with Evansville 's campaign, "e is for everyone".

"Together, we reaffirm our commitment to building a community where all people, regardless of origin, are treated with respect, dignity, and love.

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