wfn.org | ABCUSA: World Refugee Day to Focus on Plight of 12 Million People

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Rich.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 6/15/05)--The plight of
the world's 12 million refuges will be lifted up June 20 when
congregations and communities celebrate the fifth annual World Refugee
Day.

The American Baptist Churches USA ecumenical partner, Church World
Service (CWS), is one of 10 agencies with which the U.S. government
contracts to help refugees start their new lives in the United States.

American Baptist congregations consistently have led all denominations
working with CWS in refugee resettlement ministry, having assisted
92,622 persons in finding new homes in the U.S. since the end of World
War II.

Founded in 1946 CWS has helped 400,000 refugees resettle in the U.S.  It
also provides assistance to refugees and displaced persons uprooted in
various parts of the world. Through its Durable Solutions for the
Displaced program, CWS helps meet the needs of people in protracted
refugee situations, as well as refugees returning home. A cooperative
ministry of 36 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican denominations, Church
World Service works in partnership in more than 80 countries, providing
sustainable self-help and development, disaster relief and refugee
assistance.

Kenneth George, who coordinates National Ministries' refugee and
immigration program, affirmed the importance of focusing on the needs of
refugees and noted the opportunities American Baptists have to provide
assistance: "For over 57 years American Baptists have been involved in
resettling refugees.  As long as there is global civil strife and
political, social and economic oppression, there will be those seeking
refuge at our shores.  We have a continuing need for churches who are
willing to assist these families and individuals in finding places to
live, jobs and a welcoming community."

For information about church sponsorship of refugees visit
www.nationalministries.org/mission/dhs.

K/2005ABNS/05ABN57

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA
x2077 / (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org