COMMACK, N.Y. (AP) — A Long Island pastor says misinformation is fueling community opposition to his church’s proposal to host immigrant children.
The Rev. Dennis Walker tells Newsday (http://nwsdy.li/1yuI1jJ ) that the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Commack (KOH’-mahk) is still considering the move.
A meeting was cancelled last week after outraged neighbors packed the church.
Walker says he hopes people will consider the proposal “in a more rational light.”
He says community benefits would include jobs for workers remodeling the building to create living quarters.
Walker says that in addition to performing Christian service, the program could bring in $8,000 to $10,000 a month, helping to pay off a $25,000 debt.
The proposal calls for about 40 children, ages 4 to 17, to be housed at the church at any one time.
