Recording of the Special Town Hall on the Haitian Refugee Crisis
ECS Announces Matching Funds for Donations to Haitian Refugee Relief: Donate Now
In an hour-long special town hall meeting held Thursday night, the diocese came together to examine the current Haitian refugee crisis and look at ways that we may respond as Christians.
More than 60 clergy and lay people from across the diocese came together to learn and to hear about the urgent need for action.
The evening started with some thoughts from Fr. Robin Pierre, regional director of the diocese’s Haitian Ministry and Canon Andy Moore of St. Elizabeth’s in Elizabeth, which has a vibrant and growing ministry amongst immigrants from Haiti.
“I feel upset and I feel unhappy, but also I feel happy with what I’ve seen this week,” said the Fr. Pierre, reflecting both on the tragic circumstances facing refugees from the island nation of Haiti and also the outpouring of support that has come forward.
Participants also heard from Stan Neron, with NJ for Haiti, an organization that advocates for and assists Haitian immigrants and people back home in Haiti. Neron spoke with passion about the challenges facing Haitian refugees, and the disparate treatment they’ve received from U.S. officials compared with refugees from Afghanistan. He also share a 13-point list of demands for which his organization is advocating for fair treatment for Haiti.
Brother Chris McNabb of Episcopal Migration Ministries told attendees about EMM’s efforts to aid Haitian refugees.
Canon Phyllis Jones, COO of the diocese, announced an exciting opportunity for us to raise much-needed funds for Haitian refugees in New Jersey. An anonymous donor has pledged $10,000 to match donations made to Episcopal Community Services of the Diocese of New Jersey. These donations are specifically earmarked for Haitian refugees. You may donate here and select the fund for Haitian refugees.
