Dear Sisters, Brothers, Sibling in The Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana.
Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Prince of Peace!
Greetings from Santiago de Compostela where I am serving as a Volunteer Chaplain at Casa Anglicana, greeting pilgrims who are beginning or have completed their walk on the camino and praying with those who make their way to the church for a time of prayer and worship.
As many of you know, plans were announced several weeks ago about the possibility of using a State Correctional Facility in Miami County, in our diocese, as a detention center. Several clergy asked if it might be possible to address this concern as The Episcopal Church in the State of Indiana. In the midst of exploring that possibility, by God's providence, Bishop Tracy Malone, Resident Bishop of the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church offered a compelling reflection on the proposed action and how best we, as Christians, might respond. With her "wholehearted" permission, Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows and I are sharing Bishop Malone's Statement throughout both dioceses. I share it with you for your reflection and action.
Every blessing,
Doug (he, him, his)
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
This past week we received the concerning news regarding the proposed development of immigration detention centers within our state. Even more troubling is the language being used to describe these facilities—“Speedway Slammer”—words that demean the humanity of those affected and make a spectacle of their suffering. Such rhetoric is not only dehumanizing; it is antithetical to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
To equate the pain and displacement of our immigrant siblings with entertainment or speedway culture is to disregard their sacred worth. It is a mockery of the divine image in which every person is created. Many in our Conference have expressed deep concerns about what such facilities would mean for justice, compassion, and the God-given dignity of every person—especially those who are most vulnerable among us. As the body of Christ, we must not remain silent in the face of language or policy that diminishes human dignity.
We recognize the complexities of immigration systems and the responsibilities entrusted to civil authorities. We understand the tensions communities face in navigating safety, law, and compassion. Yet our call as disciples of Jesus Christ is unwavering: to affirm the dignity of every person, to stand with the vulnerable, and to speak truth in love. We remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Some of you have reached out asking how you might faithfully respond. I hear your concerns and offer the following guidance:
Contact your elected officials: Urge them to pursue transparency, accountability, and policies rooted in compassion and justice. You can find guidance on how to contact your representatives on our Conference website’s immigration resource page.
Pray without ceasing: Lift in prayer all immigrants, refugees, and those impacted by our nation’s immigration policies. Pray also for those in positions of authority—that they may lead with wisdom, empathy, and moral courage.
Reject Dehumanizing Language: Speak out against rhetoric that strips people of their dignity. Language matters. Let ours be rooted in love, truth, and the affirmation of sacred worth.
Educate and Equip Your Congregation: Engage with trusted resources, stories, and testimonies that illuminate the realities of detention and displacement. Let education lead to empathy, and empathy to action.
Partner in Solidarity: Connect with ecumenical faith partners and advocacy organizations that walk alongside immigrants and refugees. Offer tangible support. Be a presence of hope and healing.
May we, as the Indiana Conference, rise to this moment with courage and conviction, welcoming the stranger as we would welcome Christ himself. Let us multiply love, cultivate joy, and inspire hope—bearing faithful witness to the gospel through our ministry of hospitality, justice, and mercy.
Bishop Tracy Smith Malone
Indiana Conference
