by CCDA Central Florida Network Connector and Cohort 9 member, Megan Ginn, represented CCDA at a press conference calling for compassion, dignity, and respect for due process while affirming the God-given dignity of immigrants as vital members of our churches and communities. She beautifully illustrated the work of accompaniment she does in her community and stood alongside faith leaders from NaLEC, UNDIVIDED, and World Relief in our Micah Catalyst Initiative. Here is what Megan shared.
At the heart of our faith are two inseparable commands: to love God and to love our neighbor. Jesus makes it clear that our love for God is revealed in how we treat the people among us. We cannot claim to love a God we can’t see if we do not love our brothers and sisters that we can see.
What we’re seeing happening to our brothers and sisters is not some abstract idea or talking point. Our communities have lost pastors, congregants, neighbors, and friends.
This year, Orange County is planning to close seven public schools after 7,000 kids did not return because it was no longer safe. Almost overnight, many of our churches lost half of their worshipping community because churches are no longer safe. Our local businesses are struggling, and many families are too afraid to even leave their homes. These are our neighbors, our community, who are being targeted.
As faith leaders, we have accompanied many families to ICE appointments, and it’s hard to describe the fear as we sit with spouses, mothers, and children who don’t know if that was the last time they saw their loved ones. The level of anxiety as we wait outside and hope that every time that door opens it’s their loved one walking back.
As followers of Jesus, we believe faith must be lived out publicly. Loving God compels us to stand with our neighbors and to speak when dignity is threatened and to be loud when communities are harmed.
We are here today to call for practices that reflect justice, mercy, and love—not fear or dehumanization. We are urging our leaders to act with moral clarity, to be brave, so that our communities can be places of safety and belonging for every person made in the image of God.
About Megan Ginn
Megan is a lifelong Central Floridian who is passionate about uplifting the dignity of everyone. With a Masters in Social Work and as a Certified Associate in Project Management, she brings a desire to understand patterns and develop solutions that support neighborhood well-being. She brings experience with Asset-Based Community Development, instructional design, and direct human services to the team. Megan is a neighbor in Azalea Park (Orlando, FL) where she cultivates community with her neighbors and dog, Juniper.
