In our hyper-charged, polarized political climate, sometimes it’s hard to recognize moderate, morally grounded and economically smart legislation for what it is. Such is the case with the Maryland Dream Law, that, if approved by Maryland voters this November, would allow undocumented high school graduates to pay the same in-state tuition rates at community colleges as their Maryland peers.

As a Christian, I can’t imagine not supporting a law so consistent with the broad biblical mandate to care for children and welcome the foreigner. Whoever welcomes a child welcomes me, Jesus said. And Scripture reminds us that we were all once foreigners. Nowhere is that more true than in America.

As an American, I believe that the Dream Act strengthens our country. We need these young people. They have grown up as Americans. They are bright, bi-lingual, multi-cultural, and motivated to learn. Maryland dreamers want nothing more than to make a lasting contribution to the country they already call home.

The Dream Act ought to unite us as Americans. No matter how we might differ on other aspects of immigration reform, surely we can agree that young people who have already demonstrated their willingness to excel in school deserve a chance to further their education.

As Episcopalians, we have an opportunity to speak on this issue with a strong, clear voice in a way that reflects our Christian values and the best of our American ideals. I invite all who wish to join me in learning more about the Dream Act and how to engage others in our congregations and communities to attend one of two training sessions next week.

Tuesday, June 12th, 10am-1pm
Grace Episcopal Church, Silver Spring
(1607 Grace Church Road, Silver Spring, MD)
(Please note, the location of this training has been changed since the time of our initial announcement.)

and

Thursday, June 14th, 12pm-1am
Christ Church, Clinton
(8710 Old Branch Ave, Clinton, MD)

Please RSVP to Keely Thrall with the date you will attend.

Faithfully,

Bishop Mariann