Our Values
‘What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?’
Micah 6:8
A Letter from our Rector
January 23rd, 2025
Recently, we have seen a succession of presidential executive orders targeting immigrants, refugees, transgender and nonbinary persons as well as dismantling policies and agreements that address climate change and safeguard public health.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brookline, stands firmly as a community of love and justice that welcomes all people - immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, and anyone who enters our doors. We affirm the biblical truth that every human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). As Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde recently reminded the President and the nation, we serve a God who teaches us to be merciful and to love the stranger as ourselves (Leviticus 19:33-4). As followers of Jesus Christ, we are committed to striving for justice and peace among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human being (Book of Common Prayer 305).
In these troubled times, we are called to be a people of faith and action, standing in solidarity with all who face oppression and exclusion as our kin (Matthew 25:31-46). While standing firm on our core values, we welcome everyone, regardless of political affiliation, to join us in building a community where love, justice, and understanding bring us closer to God and one another. May we walk humbly with God and courageously with one another, bearing witness to the boundless love that calls us to do justice and make peace.
The Rev. Dr. Won-Jae Hur
Resources on supporting Immigrant, Refugee, and LGBTQ+ Communities
Episcopal Migration Ministries
Diocese of Massachusetts Office of Immigration and Multicultural Ministries
Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations
Summary of Episcopal Church Policy on Immigration and Refugee Issues