First, a little history from UU Asheville member, Judith Kaufman. A little over two years ago the Anti-Racism & Immigration Justice Action Group agreed to welcome and settle a young Afghan family which had escaped the Taliban in the Great Airlift of 2022. From a small nucleus of UU volunteers, a Welcome Circle was formed coordinated by Katie Winchell & Sharon LeDuc.
The initial group grew to become an interdenominational team, 40 strong. These folks helped with every imaginable need from diapers to interim housing to Literacy and so much more.
An important milestone in the family’s immigration journey has recently been achieved. The US Government has granted them Asylum. Now they can remain here without fear of deportation as well as work and travel out of the country. The journey from the chaos of Kabul airport to sheltering in Germany, to months in a New Mexico military base and finally to Asheville is behind them. After an amazing amount of paperwork, many deep background checks, and three trips to Washington DC for screening interviews – Asylum at last.
Join us as we all celebrate this happy milestone with food, drink, fellowship, perhaps some distinguished guests and of course, the family, after the 11:15 service Sunday, April 14 in Sandburg Hall. Hope to see you there!
Justice Ministries Update
Two important updates from two of our justice ministry teams. We welcome your participation, and remind you that there are opportunities to engage in one or more of our top 3 justice priorities: voting rights, reproductive justice and climate justice.
The Reproductive Justice Ministry team and the Justice Ministry Council with support from Rev. Audette and myself are co-sponsoring the annual Planned Parenthood Standing Strong event on April 17 featuring Dr. Rev. Toddie Peters. She is the author of Trust Women, A Progressive Christian argument for Reproductive Justice. Toddie is a professor at Elon, and serves on the PPSAT political and advocacy board, and also on the Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s clergy advisory board. Event details and ticket information can be found here. In these times when reproductive justice and access to abortion healthcare for women and birthing people’s continue to be threatened, it is important that we support organizations that share our values of respecting their dignity, worth, and decisions.
In Faith,
Rev. Claudia Jiménez
Minister of Faith Development