Church leaders condemn Gov. Hogan’s stance on refugees

Close to a dozen church leaders gathered at the Maryland State House on Monday to hand-deliver an official petition to the office of Maryland governor Larry Hogan.

The petition condemns the stance Governor Hogan, plus 29 other state governors, have taken hoping to close the gates on Syrian refugees fleeing the horrors of civil war and rising violence from Islamic State terrorists.

“We’re not really protecting ourselves.” Explains Rabbi Steve Weisman. “We’re protecting our way of life and morality is the core of that way of life and if it requires us to make a seed change in the way we view the world morally, what are we protecting?”

In a statement, Governor Hogan says his main priority is the safety of Marylanders.   Amid the recent terror attacks in Paris that killed at least 130 people, a statement from the governor reads in part “I am now requesting that federal authorities cease any additional settlements of refugees from Syria in Maryland until the U.S. government can provide appropriate assurances that refugees from Syria pose no threat to public safety.”

As of Monday, the petition organized by Faith In The Public Light consisted over 2,000 signatures from faith leaders nationwide. 100 signatures reportedly came Maryland. According to the list, one signature includes Pastor Gregory Knepp of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Ocean City.

Rabbi Weisman says he understands the argument of public safety, but he argues the rigorous process of vetting refugees could eliminate the threat.

For Reverend Kim Capps, it’s a matter of morals.

“For us to not welcome people of all faiths and from all places when their lives are threatened…where they can’t find enough to eat…all of the things that people are experiencing…just for us doesn’t seem necessary.” Explains Reverend Capps.

Rabbi Weisman tells 47 ABC, there’s no word on when or if they’ll hear back from Governor Hogan but he is content with Monday’s efforts and hopes it will inspire new dialogue.