And then they came for me…

Dear Friends,

Some of you may have read the disturbing news about Yeonsoo Go, a 20-year-old Korean student at Purdue University who was arrested by ICE during a routine immigration court hearing. With mounting pressure from the Korean community and faith leaders, she was finally released after being held in custody for five days. (Click here for details.)

 This particular incident hits close to home because Go is the daughter of an Episcopal priest.

 There’s a trite cautionary prose written by Lutheran pastor Friedrich Niemöller, following the aftermath of World War II titled “First They Came.”

 First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a socialist.

 Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a trade unionist.

 Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew.

 Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

 While the poem has perhaps been overly used, the premise remains poignant because the nature of autocratic rule, fear mongering, and blind allegiance are still very much active in our world.

 Ironically, Go fits into the stereotype of what Americans expect from Asians. According to one report, she is praised by her teachers and guidance counselors, a person of great character, and has even gone with her friends to feed the homeless. Nevertheless, she was still arrested, flown to Louisiana, and detained until the outcry began to swell to a fever pitch.

 Go is fortunate to have a powerful network of support through her mother, the Rev. Kyrie Kim (Diocese of NY), but what about the hundreds (perhaps thousands) of people who are just as innocent but not that well connected? Who will speak up on their behalves?

 May God give us the strength and courage to continue to stand on the side of those most in need.

Rev. Anthony +