More religious officials are joining the call for Governor Sam Brownback to reverse his stance on Syrian refugees coming to Kansas. Faith leaders delivered a petition to the governor’s office including more than 300 signatures from Kansans and 1800 signatures from faith leaders around the country.
The petition asks governors nationwide to consider religious values and help Syrian refugees. Josh Shepherd, a pastor with Mission House in Kansas City, Kansas, helped deliver the petition.
“These are not Syrian terrorists, they’re Syrian refugees. They’re fleeing the very people that we rightfully fight against. We want to fight for our ability to welcome them as the church,” says Shepherd.
Governor Brownback signed an executive order blocking the state from helping relocate Syrian refugees to Kansas. Brownback says he’s concerned terrorists could infiltrate the U.S. while posing as refugees. He and other opponents of refugee resettlement say the federal government isn’t adequately screening incoming applicants.