Episcopal Migration Ministries, the refugee resettlement and immigrant assistance arm of the Episcopal Church, has expressed "profound sorrow" over the April 3 shootings at the American Civic Association in Binghamton, New York. Thirteen people died in the attack at the immigrant community center, including the assailant Jiverly Wong who committed suicide.
"This incident does not reflect the spirit of the people of Binghamton and Central New York who have historically demonstrated openness to folks from around the world," said EMM director, Deborah Stein. "We know that our churches and other people of goodwill there will help bring about healing and continue to embrace the uprooted who seek peace and freedom among them."
Until 2005, EMM assisted hundreds of refugees to restart and rebuild their lives in Binghamton through its affiliate Interfaith Works of Central New York (formerly the Inter-religious Council), headquartered in Syracuse.
"Many parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, with other congregations and institutions, have a rich history of welcoming newcomers to the region," an EMM statement said. "The American Civic Association has offered longer-term assistance to refugees and immigrants in the community. It is still not clear if refugees resettled through EMM were victims of the shootings."
EMM continues to carry out a ministry which began in 1938 to relieve the burden of the world's suffering through refugee resettlement and immigrant assistance. In 2008, EMM resettled more than 4,000 refugees from many parts of the world, with the help of its affiliate network, many congregations, and countless volunteers in 26 Episcopal dioceses.
