More than 80 organizations call for acceptance of refugees

Representatives of 81 religious and advocacy groups signed a letter to the state Legislature Thursday morning urging lawmakers to welcome foreign refugees.

This comes just days after a joint committee hearing on the cost of Missouri accepting refugees from Syria.

“How embarrassing if Missouri were to end up on the wrong side of history,” said pastor Doyle Sager of First Baptist Church in Jefferson City. “Christians and people of other faiths are united in this request — make Missouri a place of compassion, a place of fresh opportunity.”

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act or “SAFE Act.” Many religious leaders condemn that decision.

“Let us choose compassion and welcome, that future generations may look back on us, and say that we were courageous enough to answer God’s call in our own day,” said the Rev. Daniel Hilty of First United Methodist Church of Jefferson City.