Gov. Mike Pence declines to meet Syrian refugees today

The state's chapter of the Syrian American Council hopes to schedule a meeting between Gov. Mike Pence and refugees living in Indianapolis in coming weeks.

The group invited Pence to a meeting Friday night during which it plans to introduce three families to the public to foster understanding for their plight, and of the security measures that preceded their entrance to the country.

Pence declined the invitation, citing another event.

"The governor graciously declined because he has a previous commitment," spokeswoman Kara Brooks told The Indianapolis Star in an email.

However, Omar Hossino, spokesman for the national Syrian American Council, said Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller plans to attend but not speak. Zoeller's office confirmed he plans to attend, though in a personal capacity.

Hossino said Pence's office told the group the governor is interested in rescheduling.

"They have told us he is interested in meeting with the refugees," Hossino said, adding that they hope to schedule a meeting in the next few weeks.

Hossino said the group also hopes to engage other lawmakers with the refugees.

Families in Indiana who fled violence in their home country have found themselves in the middle of a political controversy over the settlement of refugees from Syria.

Pence was among two dozen mostly Republican governors who have said they are halting the resettlement of refugees from Syria in their state.

"We hope that by meeting this family, Gov. Pence will reconsider his position that Syrian refugees are unwelcome in Indiana," a statement from the Syrian American Council read.

The council said it still plans to hold the event as scheduled.

"We understand the governor's noble intention of keeping Indiana safe," Hossino said. "We want to show the process is secure."

Objecting to Pence's position are the ACLU, which filed a lawsuit arguing that Pence does not have the authority to bar refugees, and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, which settled a family in Indiana this week over the governor's objections.

Pence, though, has maintained that settlement should be halted until the government can review its security procedures in light of the November terrorist attacks in Paris.

The Indiana Democratic Party was critical of Pence declining the invitation.

"Not only does this show Mike Pence’s unwillingness to have an open mind, but it proves once again that Pence was only trying score political points on any situation, including a humanitarian crisis," said Drew Anderson, communications director for the party.

The event, planned by the council and the Epworth United Methodist Church, is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at 6450 Allisonville Road.

Catholic Charities, Exodus, Al Huda Mosque, the Jewish Federation of Indiana and the Islamic Society of North America will have representatives in attendance.

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Call Star reporter Madeline Buckley at (317) 444-6083. Follow her on Twitter: @Mabuckley88.