Area immigrants are scared.
Travel bans and threats of deportation have left families who have relocated to the region on edge.
To help calm some concerns, local religious leaders, community service organizations, activist groups and residents will gather Saturday for an interfaith vigil in support of immigrants and refugees.
Brian Fanelli, one of the vigil co-organizers, sees “real fear and concern” in the immigrant community regarding the threat of deportation.
“We just want to show the ... community that we’re here for them and support them,” he said. “It’s been a really beautiful thing to see all of the elements of our community come together to show refugees we’re here for them.”
The vigil at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scranton will end with a candlelight march to Lackawanna County Courthouse Square.
Refugees, clergy, elected officials and community advocates will speak about issues that immigrants and refugees face, including the executive order banning travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries, immigrant rights and the needs of refugees and immigrants, according to the event’s organizers.
The Rev. Rebecca A. Barnes of St. Luke’s Episcopal offered to host the vigil in her church to combat misconceptions and raise awareness about the problems facing refugees and immigrants.
“My hope about what comes out of this is that there will be more dialogue, education and awareness,” she said.
Rabbi Daniel Swartz of Temple Hesed in Scranton and the Scranton Area Ministerium plans to spread a message of equality and understanding.
“This is a key issue for people of faith,” he said. “As people of faith, one of the central teachings of the Jewish tradition is that every person is created in the image of God, and we’re all brothers and sisters in that way.”
The Rev. Scott O. Miller, pastor of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Scranton, has been welcoming Congolese refugees since October. About 30 refugees attend services, he said.
Miller will speak about his experiences working with the refugees and what he has learned from them.
“People are coming here with skills and education,” Miller said. “They come here with a willingness to work.”
He hopes people open their hearts and minds.
“The big thing is that we can’t live in fear and assume the worst,” Miller said. “You need to get to know somebody and give them a chance.”
If you go
What: We All Belong: Vigil in Support of Immigrants and Refugees
Where: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton
When: Saturday, 7 to 9 p.m.