Bishop Rob Skirving of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina has publicly explained his decision to sign a letter signed by 155 Episcopal bishops, emphasizing the importance of respecting human dignity amid national debates on justice, immigration, and law enforcement — Google “Minnesota” if you want to know the context.

The letter was posted to social media earlier this week by Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.

See that letter in its entirety at the end of this story.  

In a note accompanying the letter, Skirving posted to social media that he agreed to add his name “not because it is a perfect letter, or because it will be a universally popular letter, but because of its emphasis on a simple question. ‘Whose dignity matters?’” Skirving’s remarks in their entirety appear at the end of this story.

Earlier this week, prior to the letter’s publication, the Albemarle Observer published its own story about Skirving’s thoughts on matters unfolding in Minnesota and across the nation.  

The bishop drew a connection to the church’s teachings, noting that the question echoes one found in the Baptismal Covenant: “‘Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?’ To which we are called to respond, ‘I will, with God’s help.’”

Skirving said the principle of dignity, when applied consistently, can foster greater compassion and understanding across society. “When we respect the dignity of another person, we are far more likely to see the face of God in them, making it so much harder for us to have hate-filled hearts,” he wrote.

He described how this respect for dignity extends across social and political divides. “When we respect the dignity of an immigrant, we are far more likely to have compassion for their plight and to work together to ensure that our nation’s immigration laws are just and consistently applied. When we respect the dignity of our police officers and ICE agents, we are far more likely to ensure that they receive the training and support they need to faithfully serve justice and keep the peace in the communities where we live. When we respect the dignity of protestors and politicians, we are far more likely to draw on ‘the better angels of our nature’ in working together for the common good.”

Skirving also noted his personal perspective as a first-generation American. “Besides being a Bishop of The Episcopal Church, I am also a first generation American. I moved to this country from Canada in 2004 and became a naturalized citizen in 2018. While it is still strange for me to add my name to a letter addressed to ‘our fellow Americans’ I recognize that I share with all of you in the responsibility of building a more just and equitable society.”

The bishop encouraged readers to approach the letter as an invitation to reflect, rather than as a political statement. “And so I commend this letter to your attention, knowing that some of you will find it helpful and hope-filled while others of you will not. Please do not read it as polemic but as an invitation to ask, for yourself, ‘Whose dignity matters?’”

Skirving also cited scripture in support of the letter’s message, drawing on Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats from Matthew 25:31-46. He highlighted the moral imperative to care for the vulnerable: “‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ … ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’”

The Fox News letter, which drew signatures from bishops across the country, is rooted in a call for compassion and ethical reflection amid contentious debates about immigration policy, law enforcement practices, and social justice. Skirving’s endorsement adds his voice to a larger Episcopal effort to remind Americans that faith-based principles of dignity and justice transcend partisan lines.

Observers said the letter is likely to provoke mixed reactions, particularly because it touches on sensitive and politically charged topics. Skirving acknowledged this in his note, stressing that his support stems from a moral rather than political rationale.

“For me, this is ultimately about the consistent application of our shared values,” Skirving said. “It is about asking ourselves, as individuals and as a society, whose dignity matters—and acting accordingly. That question, and the reflection it demands, is central to our faith and our civic responsibility alike.”

The letter, he said, serves as a reminder of the role that faith can play in guiding ethical behavior, fostering dialogue, and promoting justice. By emphasizing dignity as a core principle, the bishops hope to encourage Americans to look beyond partisan divisions and consider the humanity in every person, from immigrants and public servants to protestors and political leaders.

Skirving’s statement concludes with an appeal to personal reflection and shared responsibility: “Please do not read it as polemic but as an invitation to ask, for yourself, ‘Whose dignity matters?’”

The letter’s publication comes at a time of heightened debate over immigration enforcement, policing, and civic responsibility. Skirving’s participation underscores the Episcopal Church’s commitment to engaging these issues through the lens of faith, ethics, and the dignity of every human being.

Subscribe — it’s free!

Letter Signed by Skirving and 155 Bishops

We, the undersigned bishops of The Episcopal Church, write today out of grief, righteous anger, and steadfast hope.

What happened a week ago in Minnesota, and is happening in communities across the country, runs counter to God’s vision of justice and peace. This crisis is about more than one city or state—it’s about who we are as a nation. The question before us is simple and urgent: Whose dignity matters?

In the wake of the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, we join Minnesotans and people across the nation in mourning two precious lives lost to state-sanctioned violence. We grieve with their families, their friends, and everyone harmed by the government’s policies. When fear becomes policy, everyone suffers.

We call on Americans to trust their moral compass—and to question rhetoric that trades in fear rather than truth. As Episcopalians, our moral compass is rooted firmly in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is what we know: Women were shoved to the ground, children torn from their families, and citizens silenced and demeaned for exercising their constitutional rights. These actions sow fear, cast doubt, and wear communities down with endless noise.

We cannot presume to speak for everyone or prescribe only one way to respond. For our part, we can only do as Jesus’ teaching shows us.

This is a moment for action. We call on people of faith to stand by your values and act as your conscience demands.

We urge the immediate suspension of ICE and Border Patrol operations in Minnesota and in any community where militarized enforcement has endangered residents or destroyed public trust.

We also call for transparent, independent investigations of the people killed—investigations centered on truth, not politics. Justice cannot wait, and accountability is essential to healing.

We call on the elected officials of our nation to remember the values we share, including the rule of law. Rooted in our Constitution, it ensures that law—not the arbitrary will of individuals—governs us all, protecting individual rights, ensuring fairness, and maintaining stability.

Every act of courage matters. We must keep showing up for one another. We are bound together because we are all made in the image of God. This work begins with small, faithful steps.

As bishops in The Episcopal Church, we promise to keep showing up—to pray, to speak, and to stand with every person working to make our communities just, safe, and whole. We are committed to making our communities safer and more compassionate:

• So children can walk to school without fear.
• So families can shop, work, and worship freely.
• So we recognize the dignity of every neighbor—immigrant communities, military families, law enforcement officers, nurses, teachers, and essential workers alike.

You may feel powerless, angry, or heartbroken right now. Know that you’re not alone. Each of us has real power: community power, financial power, political power, and knowledge power.

We can show up for our neighbors, support small businesses and food banks, contact elected officials and vote, and learn our rights so we can speak up peacefully without fear.

The question before us is simple and urgent: Whose dignity matters?

Our faith gives a clear answer: Everyone’s.

Safety built on fear is an illusion. True safety comes when we replace fear with compassion, violence with justice, and unchecked power with accountability. That’s the vision our faith calls us to live out—and the promise our country is meant to uphold.

In the face of fear, we choose hope.

By the grace of God, may this season of grief become a season of renewal. May courage rise from lament, and love take root in every heart.

Skirving’s post to Facebook:

A note from Bishop Skirving, regarding the attached letter published this morning on the Fox News website …

Given the choice to add my name to the attached letter, written by a small group of Episcopal bishops and published this morning on the website of Fox News, I said yes. Not because it is a perfect letter, or because it will be a universally popular letter, but because of its emphasis on a simple question. “Whose dignity matters?” Our Baptismal Covenant includes a related question, “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?” To which we are called to respond, “I will, with God’s help.”

When we respect the dignity of another person, we are far more likely to see the face of God in them, making it so much harder for us to have hate-filled hearts. When we respect the dignity of an immigrant, we are far more likely to have compassion for their plight and to work together to ensure that our nation’s immigration laws are just and consistently applied. When we respect the dignity of our police officers and ICE agents, we are far more likely to ensure that they receive the training and support they need to faithfully serve justice and keep the peace in the communities where we live. When we respect the dignity of protestors and politicians, we are far more likely to draw on “the better angels of our nature” in working together for the common good.

Besides being a Bishop of The Episcopal Church, I am also a first generation American. I moved to this country from Canada in 2004 and became a naturalized citizen in 2018. While it is still strange for me to add my name to a letter addressed to “our fellow Americans” I recognize that I share with all of you in the responsibility of building a more just and equitable society. And so I commend this letter to your attention, knowing that some of you will find it helpful and hope-filled while others of you will not. Please do not read it as polemic but as an invitation to ask, for your yourself, “Whose dignity matters?”

Finally, from Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats, we have these words …

‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’   …’Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ (from Matthew 25:31-46 ~ NRSVue)