Reconciliation Ministry Special Offering Video

Pastoral Letter In Support Of Our Haitian Friends & Neighbors

Our Regional Minister, the Rev. Allen V. Harris, was one of those who worked diligently on a statement of support for our Haitian immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking friends, family, and neighbors (along with several others who did the majority of the writing).

You can read the entire letter here:  A Statement in Support of Immigrant Communities – Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

We are proud that Rev. Harris is one of the primary signers of the statement. While the Christian Church in Ohio does not have any specific congregations or leaders who are Haitian or of Haitian decent, that we know of at least, we live in the state that sadly was recently and repeatedly targeted by violent and racist language which has regrettably motivated hateful actions and has instilled fear and has undeniably harmed children, youth, and adults in Springfield.

The Rev. Dr. William Barber, one of the leaders of the Repairers of the Breach, will be hosting a Prayer Service on Sunday, September 22 at 2 p.m. at Greater Grace Temple, 380 W. Leffel Ln., Springfield, Ohio 45506. Other faith leaders, including several of our own Disciples of Christ leaders, will be present and speaking.

Because we do not have a Disciples of Christ presence in Springfield, we are advising individuals and congregations hold their donations until we find a local organization that we can be assured will use the funds to care for the Haitian Community of Springfield.

Your prayers and your willingness to confront hateful rhetoric and misinformation about Haitian and other refugees, immigrants, and asylum-seekers would be most helpful at this time.

We would also like to lift up the pro-active and positive work of The Ohio Immigrant Alliance which has launched #OneLoveOhio to spotlight the acts of kindness — large and small — that we see happening in our communities every day. Check out the site at oneloveohio.org and nominate positive stories of community-building here.

At the new #OneLoveOhio site, you’ll find examples of pastors and other people of faith inviting people from all backgrounds to pray together, and reminding people who call themselves Christians what the gospel says about human dignity. Community members flocking to support Haitian-owned businesses. Check out chef Alain Lamaire’s wise words, and recipe for creole chicken with cashews as well as a viral video from a “Millenial Mom.”

We will keep our members and leaders in the Christian Church in Ohio apprised of opportunities for donations and actions to support our Haitian friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors in Springfield and around Ohio.

Faithfully Yours,

Rev. Allen V. Harris
Regional Pastor & President

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