More than 750 Faith Groups Ask Trump to Allow More Refugees

An interfaith coalition of more than 750 religious groups and leaders have demanded that the Trump administration allow for more refugees to settle in the United States.

The Trump administration has garnered controversy for its reduction in the number of refugees being allowed to resettle in the United States.

In a letter addressed to President Donald Trump and officially dated Aug. 21, the religious groups declared that "people of faith will not stand by idly as the United States turns its back on these individuals."

"Refugee resettlement is a critical tool our nation can use to relieve human suffering, and we urge the administration to fully utilize it," stated the letter.

"We pray that in your process of discernment, compassion for the plight of refugees will touch your hearts. We urge you to be bold in choosing moral, just policies that provide refuge for vulnerable individuals seeking protection."

Citing their "collective scriptural mandate" and "our nation's history," the groups urged the president to "commit to resettling at least 75,000 refugees in Fiscal Year 2019."

"Faith communities in particular remain ready and eager to welcome refugees and decry the policies that are preventing refugees from receiving protection at this time. Many of our faith communities have made public statements of our commitments to offer hospitality to refugees," continued the letter.

"For decades, people of faith have welcomed refugees into our homes, houses of worship, and communities. Refugees are powerful ambassadors of our founding principles of equal opportunity, religious freedom, and liberty and justice for all."

Groups who have signed the open letter include the Alliance of Baptists, the Anti-Defamation League, Church World Service, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Islamic Relief USA, Presbyterian Church (USA), The United Methodist Church, Union of Reform Judaism, the United Church of Christ, and World Relief, among others.