“WE, the members of the Midlothian Friends Meeting, recognize that we live in a divided society in which members of minorities suffer discrimination and threats to economic and personal safety.

WE believe there is “that of God” in everyone and that the inner Light shines in the hearts of ALL PEOPLE without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, or political affiliation.

WE welcome ALL PEOPLE to join our meetings for worship and to participate in other events at our meetinghouse located at 900 Preservation Road in Midlothian. Virginia.

WE stand with victims of discrimination and intimidation in all forms including hate speech, hate crimes, harassment, bullying, racial bias, homophobia, transphobia, antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, political bias, and anti-immigrant activity.

WE will continuously offer an inclusive and non judgmental narrative based on love of neighbor and care for the vulnerable.

WE renounce the demonization of those who do not share our views.

WE affirm our shared responsibility to promote equal protection under the law for ALL PEOPLE.

WE support local public schools and call upon administrators, teachers, and students to promote campuses that welcome ALL PEOPLE and that value diversity of thought, national origin, culture, faith, gender, and race.

WE will work with local officials to promote policies that increase trust and cooperation between local law enforcement and our immigrant neighbors and that allow victims and witnesses to report crime and speak to the police without fear of being arrested or reported to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

WE call upon local officials to take all legal actions necessary to defend our immigrant neighbors from federal immigration enforcement practices that separate families and undermine personal freedom.

Following in the footsteps of Quakers before us, WE pledge to work until ALL PEOPLE are accepted, safe, and free everywhere.”

-This is the second congregation I am aware of passing a welcoming resolution; Westminster Presbyterian in Charlottesville is the other. — Lana Heath de Martinez, VICPP Welcoming All Coordinator

Roberta Oster Blog, Immigration Justice