How To Help | Definitions | Partners | News
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego (EDSD) is committed to providing support and assistance to those on the margins, including migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. In 2017, EDSD passed Resolution 17-05, declaring itself a “Sanctuary Diocese.” This resolution stated that the diocese would stand alongside undocumented immigrants, oppose large-scale deportations, and encourage all diocesan congregations to explore becoming “sanctuary congregations and institutions.” Through various programs and initiatives, EDSD works to ensure these vulnerable populations have access to resources and services to help them rebuild their lives and thrive in their new communities.
Our faith compels us to welcome the stranger and care for those who are vulnerable. The Bible teaches us in Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” This call to action is not merely a suggestion but a commandment to embody the love of Christ in our actions. By providing shelter and support to migrants, we are living out this biblical mandate, ensuring that our faith is not only heard but seen and felt by those in need.
When your congregation is ready to host an Immigration forum or guest sermon from Border Missioner Robert Vivar or is interested in hosting a Know Your Rights workshop, contact him at rvivar@edsd.org.
Comunidad de Luz
In partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Western Mexico, Vida Joven Foundation and Via International, The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego has been called to open Comunidad de Luz–a migrant shelter for women and children in Tijuana. The Comunidad de Luz facility will provide beds and wraparound services to support the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of women and children migrants.
Via International provides opportunities for groups, churches, or individuals to visit Comunidad de Luz for education, service, and fellowship. Click below and find out more about how Via International can help you plan your first visit.
How Can I Help?
Definitions
Immigrant
An Immigrant is an individual who willingly leaves their country of origin and legally enters another country where they are granted permission to permanently resettle. Their reasons for wanting to resettle can vary from a longing for economic prosperity or a better education to the fulfillment of a dream for reunion with family.
Asylum Seeker
An asylum seeker is a person who has left their country and is seeking protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country but who hasn’t yet been legally recognized as a refugee and is waiting to receive a decision on their asylum claim.
Migrant
A migrant is a broad term that applies to an individual who willingly leaves home and moves from one place to another. There is no internationally accepted legal definition of a migrant. Many understand migrants to be people staying outside their country of origin who are not asylum seekers or refugees.
Refugee
Someone who has “been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence.” The U.S. government further defines a refugee as someone who may “face persecution based on religion, political opinion, race, nationality or membership in a particular social group.” Those who obtain refugee status are given protections under international laws and conventions and lifesaving support from aid agencies.
One common thread between these groups is that they face circumstances where leaving the place of their birth was the better option than remaining home.
Sources: calmatters.org, amnesty.org, and preemptivelove.org.
Partners
We encourage your support of organizations that offer specific kinds of aid to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers:
Al Otro Lado: Provides direct, free, legal services on both sides of the US-Mexico border.
Episcopal Migration Ministries: Provides education for congregations advocating for the protection of migrants and refugees.
Immigrant Defenders Law Center: Provides legal support to unaccompanied children, asylum seekers, detained community members, and deported veterans.
Jewish Family Services: Provides food, transportation, health services, case management, legal services to migrants.
Refugee Net: Provides refugee families with academic support to kids, weekly food distribution, case management and job development services.
Via International: Provides leadership development to migrants and asylum seekers to promote sustainable development in under-resourced communities.
Vida Joven: Provides life-changing care for orphaned children in Baja.
Welcome Ministry: Provides ESL, laundry service, and food distribution to immigrant, refugees and unsheltered of the East County.
Stay informed with the EDSD News!

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