"We affirm the dignity, worth and rights of migrants, immigrants and refugees, including displaced and stateless people. ... We urge United Methodists to welcome migrants, refugees, and immigrants into their congregations and to commit themselves to providing concrete support, including help with navigating restrictive and often lengthy immigration policies, and assistance with securing food, housing, education, employment and other kinds of support. We oppose all laws and policies that attempt to criminalize, dehumanize or punish displaced individuals and families based on their status as migrants, immigrants or refugees."
-2024 Social Principles, The Political Community, Basic Rights & Freedoms
As people of faith, United Methodists have a long history of welcoming and supporting immigrants and refugees. Now more than ever, the Church needs to act boldly to welcome the stranger and to challenge the systems that seek to exclude and divide. As more of our friends, neighbors, families, and church members are affected, here are some resources that may help:
- Council of Bishops Immigration Letter
- Legal AID of Southwest Ohio – “Prepare your Family for Immigration Enforcement”
- Global Migrant Accompaniment Guide
- Worksite Raid Toolkit
- Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas | Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC
- Know Your Rights Handouts: If ICE Visits a Home, Employer, or Public Space
- AILA's Immigration Lawyer Search
If your congregation would like to support immigrants and refugees, consider joining the Task Force on United Methodist Immigration Ministries in Ohio. Contact Emily Kvalheim at deaconemilykvalheim@gmail.com or fill out the interest form here.