Valley Neighbors is ‘caring for the strangers in our midst’

The intensity of the local debate over immigration and refugee support has taken a dark turn in the past week. As representatives of faith communities across the Flathead Valley, we want to counsel the community to engage in charity, compassion and active dialogue rather than accusations and misinformation.

We the undersigned represent multiple religious communities, different political affiliations and unified support for Valley Neighbors, which is composed of dedicated, charitable individuals who are sincerely trying to care for their fellow human beings.

First, we ask for charity and understanding toward the individuals and families whose lives are most affected. We speak of those who recently arrived in our community from faraway places. Most likely the family who recently arrived knew very little about Northwest Montana prior to their arrival. We can only imagine how scary and unsettling this must be for them.