Birders Can Exercise Pressure to Protect Human Rights in Arizona

Are you as upset as I am about the new immigration measures that have passed the Arizona legislature? If you’re not, have a look at this NYT editorial and at the press release below.

Something like 600,000 people visit Arizona each year to enjoy the outdoors and its wildlife; the latest figures I’ve seen show them spending nearly two billion (billion!) dollars a year in the state.

I’m planning on writing AZOT and letting them know that I will not bring any birding group into the state unless the governor vetoes this bill. Statements from individual birders who might have been planning a trip to Arizona would probably be even more effective.

Arizona Office of Tourism

1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 155

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Phone: 602-364-3700
Fax: 602-364-3701

At the moment I’m ashamed of my adopted state–and wish for the first time that we’d sold our place in Tucson when we left.

Press Release: APRIL 22, 2010

Through representatives and groups, many in Arizona are considering state sponsored vigilantism, systematic violations of human rights, and mean-spirited laws that are designed to promote racism and punish some of the most vulnerable among us.  The Judeo-Christian faith has thousands of years of history telling us that it is all right to recognize the presence and even the status of persons among us who are different, but in all cases, we are required to love all persons.  The membership of First Christian Church, Tucson, will not rest until some of these principles are renewed elements of public policy.

FCC will continue to provide accommodations for youth groups, “alternative” spring break groups from universities, internships for university students, and for-credit educational opportunities focused on migrants.

The congregation will now expand its offerings as a site for theological reflections on this, the largest, sustained migration.  Just today, the congregation agreed to host a group of sixty chaplains from around the US in a border education experience in the fall.  Working with foreign consulates, FCC will expand services to migrants with special health and family needs.   The congregation will continue and expand emphases on hosting border forums, the screening of documentaries, and general community education.

Dr. Robin Hoover, pastor of First Christian Church, is currently participating in unprecedented conversations with US Customs and Border Protection officials regarding migrant safety issues and human rights.   He will be meeting with the the Chief of Staff of Customs and Border Protection and other officials in Washington, D.C. next week.  The congregation’s commitment of his time is directed at influencing future migration policy reform.

First Christian Church has promoted and defended human rights for all for many decades.  FCC is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Rev. Robin Hoover, Ph.D.

MIGRANT MINISTRIES

Pastor of First Christian Church

Founder of Humane Borders