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USA News

Church leaders urge Trump to see refugee resettlement as a 'moral obligation'

by Lydia Davies

Evangelical leaders have called on President-elect Donald Trump to maintain and strengthen the U.S. refugee resettlement programme, urging him to support persecuted Christians and others fleeing harm.

In a statement titled 'A Christian Statement on Refugee Resettlement', issued by World Relief on Tuesday 14th February, signatories, including leaders from the National Association of Evangelicals, the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and advocates for persecuted Christians, praised the resettlement programme for prioritising vulnerable populations.

The statement referenced Trump’s initial refugee ceiling of 50,000 set in 2017, urging him to reinstate or increase that level in line with his commitments to secure borders, religious liberty, and opportunity for all.

“We are grateful for President-elect Trump’s dedication to strong and secure borders, as well as his efforts to ensure legal pathways for immigrants who love this country,” the statement read, quoting Trump’s recent remarks.

Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, emphasised the Christian responsibility to welcome refugees: “President Trump can lead the nation in rescuing persecuted Christians and others by strengthening the U.S. refugee resettlement programme. As the son of a North Korean refugee, I know the life-changing impact of being given refuge.”

Open Doors U.S., a charity advocating for persecuted Christians, noted that nearly 30,000 persecuted Christians were resettled in the U.S. in 2024.

Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors, expressed gratitude for Trump’s past advocacy, adding: “At a time of unprecedented persecution, maintaining this programme is a vital way to support the global church.”

The statement also highlighted the economic and social contributions of refugees, noting that 71 per cent of respondents in a Lifeway Research survey see refugee resettlement as a moral obligation.

Churches across the U.S. have played a critical role in integrating refugees, reflecting the programme's importance to faith communities.

Myal Greene, president of World Relief, reinforced the call to action, saying: “The refugee resettlement programme is a crucial way for the U.S. to stand with the persecuted, including those of faith. We urge President Trump to sustain this vital initiative.”

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