wfn.org | Disciples helping to resettle Kosovo

["Disciples Off. of Communication"<wshuffit@oc.disciples.org>]

refugees
Date: May 20, 1999
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

99b-37

	INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- American churches are 
responding to the Kosovo refugee crisis by 
sponsoring Kosovars admitted to the United States 
for resettlement.

	"Every week we receive the names of individuals 
and families who need sponsors, both those from 
Kosovo and from other places around the globe." 
said the Rev. Jennifer Riggs, director of the 
Disciples refugee and immigration ministry. "We 
hope even more Christian Church  (Disciples of 
Christ) congregations will come forward to help 
out."

	Kosovar refugees who fled to Macedonia are now 
coming to the United States in two ways. Those 
with relatives already in the country can come 
with assistance from their families. Relatives 
can contact their local Church World Service 
Immigration and Refugee Program affiliate to 
start that process.

	Other Kosovar families are being brought to Fort 
Dix, N. J., to go through a screening process. 
Some of those folks will be referred to Church 
World Service for resettlement. The Disciples 
Refugee and Immigration Ministries works with CWS 
to resettle families.

	Riggs noted that the United States' goal of 
resettling 20,000 Kosovars was not a huge 
increase in the number already being aided from 
other parts of the world. In 1999 the U.S. 
expects to resettle some 78,000 persons in 
addition to the Kosovars.

	Disciples congregations have a strong history of 
refugee assistance. In an average year around 50 
churches aid about 1,000 persons.

	For more information about Refugee and 
Immigration Ministries, contact Jennifer Riggs, 
317-635-3113, ext. 371; e-mail 
jriggs@dhm.disciples.org.

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