Press Release

 

 

For Immediate Release 
Contact: Dan Gordon ,
617-651-0841 
June 4, 2021 

**Texans Decry Abbott's Shelter Order **

**AUSTIN, TEXAS** - Voices from Texas faith communities
are responding to an order from Gov. Greg Abbott that
would affect unaccompanied migrant children in the state.  

On Tuesday, Abbott ordered state regulators to revoke licenses from
facilities that house unaccompanied minors who were apprehended at the
U.S.-Mexico border - a move that could force the relocation
of more than 4,000 children
. 

The following are quotes from faith leaders in Texas:  

**Sara Hilgenberg, Associate Minister of Family Programming and
Outreach, First Christian Church of San Angelo: **
"Children are one of the greatest treasures that God bestows upon our
world. It is they who will shape our future, it is they who will one
day lead, it is they who will inspire the next generations, and they
all deserve the chance to do so. As the state of Texas is a state that
leads, I would ask that our leaders strive to make decisions for these
children with compassion and fortitude, and hearts guided by the words
of our Lord Jesus Christ who said, 'Whoever receives one child like this
in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but
Him who sent Me' (Mark 9:36-37)."  

**Marv Knox, Coordinator, Fellowship Southwest: **
"Forcing the closure of shelters protecting children awaiting
reunification with their families would punish the weakest and most
vulnerable people within our borders. As a follower of Jesus, I take
seriously his admonition that we demonstrate how much we love God by how
we treat 'the least of these."  
 

**Jesse Rincones, Executive Director, Hispanic Baptist Convention of
Texas: **
"Governor Abbott's decision to withdraw these licenses obstructs the
work of faith-based organizations, impedes the service of people of
faith, and hampers the federal government from fulfilling its legal
obligations to these children. The Governor's action prohibits Texas
Baptists and other Christians from serving as foster parents for these
children. Faith-based and non-profit organizations will be stripped of
their ability to offer up licensed shelter space. Governor Abbott will
be responsible for more kids being held in large shelters with no Texas
oversight, diluting the religious freedom for Texas believers, and
disrupting the work of Texas non-profits. We're praying that Governor
Abbott will reconsider this position and allow Texas Christians the
chance to care for these vulnerable children as an exercise of faith." 

**Christine Sequenzia Titus, Policy Director, National Association
of Evangelicals; resident of North Dallas, Texas: **
"Scripture has compelled Texans throughout history to observe the call
to rescue, aid and defend the orphan and refugee (Psalm 82:3-4). We ask
Governor Abbott to reconsider his order that would prevent licensed
facilities, many of them faith-based, from providing the care to which
immigrant children are legally entitled. Extending southern hospitality
to these brave children, who have already faced immense suffering and
trauma both in their countries of origin and on their journey across the
border, serves as a commendable act of worship." 

### 

 

 

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