The Wake Interfaith Immigration Network is a nonprofit organization founded in April 2026 to stand with immigrant and refugee neighbors across Wake County. Our network brings together more than 100 individuals from over 40 churches, synagogues, and mosques — united by a shared conviction that people of faith must respond with compassion, presence, and action. We are currently seeking 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Our Mission
Convene — Bringing people of faith together to provide a coordinated, compassionate response to the needs of immigrants and refugees.
Educate — Offering education, outreach, and public awareness to promote understanding and a spirit of welcome.
Support — Organizing volunteers and community partners to provide practical assistance and relational support.
Advocate — Nurturing interfaith collaboration, resource-sharing, and advocacy that advance dignity, justice, and the common good.
Our Origin
In late 2025, faith leaders across Wake County began hearing the same stories — families afraid to leave their homes, neighbors uncertain about their rights, communities unsure where to turn. Moved by these realities and by a shared sense of moral obligation, congregants and clergy from dozens of congregations started gathering to ask what a coordinated response might look like. Out of those conversations, the Wake Interfaith Immigration Network was born in April 2026.
Leadership
The Network is governed by a volunteer board of directors drawn from our member faith communities.
Michael Schley, Board Member and Chair, Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church
Ann Lassiter, Board Member and Vice-Chair, The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi
Ervin Portman, Board Member and Treasurer, St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
Desiree Clemons, Board Member and Secretary, St. Paul’s Christian Church
Deborah Goldstein, Board Member, Beth Meyer Synagogue
David Charters, Board Member, Christ the King Lutheran Church
Daniel D’Oleo, Board Member, Iglesia Cristiana Pueblo de Esperanza
Lynn Tovar, Board Member, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Kathryn Mueller, Board Member, Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church