Westminster’s Response to Crisis in Afghanistan

A Note from Rev. Dr. Tim Hart-Andersen about Westminster’s Response to Crisis in Afghanistan

Dear friends,

Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman of Temple Israel Minneapolis contacted me yesterday asking if Westminster could help Temple Israel in sponsoring an Afghan family fleeing Kabul. The individuals have been threatened by the Taliban for their work in support of women’s rights. They have been granted emergency entrance by the U.S. for humanitarian reasons.

I affirmed our willingness to partner with our Jewish siblings in hosting the family—together Temple and Westminster are responding to God’s mandate to provide resources for and offer kindness to refugees. Temple’s invitation aligns well with the Session’s approval of the recommendation from its Sanctuary Discernment Task Force to provide assistance to refugees and asylum seekers. Our support will include assisting with rent and other living expenses.

We will send more information in coming days when we receive it.

Let us be in prayer for the people of Afghanistan and all those supporting them in this time of crisis, especially American diplomates, aid workers, and troops. I offer this prayer from my friend Laurie Krauss, Director of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance:

God of Compassion, God of Peace, God of Justice:
You, O God, are the One who
sees the forgotten
speaks with the Voice of the silenced
remembers and redeems those who are lost and without hope.
Hear our prayer for the people of Afghanistan, those fleeing for refuge, those left behind, those who cannot find a way out.
(Read the full prayer online.)

Thank you for your prayers and support.  See you in church, online or in person.

Grace and peace,
Tim Hart-Andersen
Senior Pastor