Church Denounces Anti-Muslim Proposals

Members of Dumbarton United Methodist Church have expressed opposition to any legislation that would prevent Muslim refugees and people of other faiths from accessing the U.S. refugee resettlement program.

In an open letter signed by more than 55 members and endorsed by the Church Council, the congregation noted proposals by Sen. Ted Cruz and others that would accept Christians but not Muslims or people of other faiths fleeing Syria.

“The U.S. refugee resettlement program has been and should remain open to those of any religious tradition who face persecution,” the letter said. “We vehemently oppose any legislation or proposal that would bar individuals of other faiths from accessing the U.S. refugee resettlement program on the basis of their faith,” said the letter sent to House Speaker Paul Ryan, Vice President Joseph Biden and the governors of Maryland and Virginia.

The letter noted that an estimated 12 million people have been displaced or otherwise affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria. “The United States has an ethical obligation as a world leader to reduce this suffering and generously welcome Syrian refugees into this country,” it said.
The church members referred to “sacred texts and faith traditions to love our neighbor (Mark 12:31) and care for the vulnerable (Matthew 25:41) without regard to differences in culture or faith tradition (Luke 10:25-37).”

The church is considering becoming a refuge for Syrians fleeing violence. Often at the forefront of social causes, the Georgetown church was the first United Methodist church in Washington, D.C., to perform weddings of same-sex couples. The church is located at 3133 Dumbarton St. NW.