06/20/2026
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) defines a refugee as someone who, owing to a well-founded fear of persecution — based on race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion — is outside their home country and unable, or too afraid, to return.
As a community of faith, we believe we're called to treat foreigners with fairness and justice. The heart of the Gospel is mercy and compassion.
"Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor, the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place."
— Jeremiah 22:3
Every person bears the image of God (Genesis 1:27). No one should be mistreated or discriminated against because of where they were born or their immigration status. God created every nation — and He commands us to protect the vulnerable.
"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."
— Deuteronomy 10:18-19
"I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger."
— Job 29:16
If you want to support our refugee families, click the link below for more information
https://www.thrivepittsburgh.org/
Rev. Felicia Zamora,
Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care, NHCBC.
