EAD 2018: A World Uprooted – Responding to Migrants, Refugees and Displaced People

Friday, April 20 – Monday, April 23, 2018

Washington, D.C.

Scenes From #EAD2018

Special thanks to Sr. Marge Clark, BVM and Jessie Palatucci for many of these photos from our National Gathering.

We live in a time of upheaval and uprootedness – a world in which each year millions of people cross borders in search of more secure and sustainable lives, while white supremacist ideologies continue to impede the fight for justice and peace for all of God’s people.  As we witness historically high levels of migration, we also find that racism, sexism, Islamophobia, xenophobia and other forms of discrimination are also on the rise in our communities and used for political gain.  At the root of this global upheaval and migration are the push factors of violent conflict, climate change, and corruption which often intersect with one another.  At a time when there is such need around the world, we grieve that the U.S. has greatly reduced its refugee admittance numbers while smaller, poorer countries are stepping up to welcome and provide refuge for those in need.  As people of faith, we know we can do more.  We believe God is with Dreamers, the migrant and the outcast and calls us to create places of sanctuary; to offer hospitality to the stranger, to welcome all – regardless of faith, race, gender or nationality – and to break down the dividing walls that separate us. 

Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2018 focused on the uprootedness of our world.  We analyzed current policy and envisioned ways to more fully and justly respond to the global and local needs of displaced communities. Through prayer, worship, advocacy training, and networking, we prepared and advocated for policy changes that advance hope and overcome the devastating impacts of conflict, climate change and corruption on God’s people.

Download a longer EAD 2018 Theme Backgrounder.

Scripture Readings for Our Theme                                                            

Deuteronomy 10:17-20
For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Matthew 25:34-40
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”