Washington, D.C. – Multiple denominational leaders are set to gather for a webinar to discuss the United Methodist response to immigrant justice and United Methodists across the connection, as well as all interested parties, are invited to join the conversation. “Solidarity with the Sojourner: Understanding U.S. Immigration and Our Call to Respond” is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.6 p.m. CST/5 p.m. MST/4 p.m. PST Monday, Feb. 10. Due to limited space, registration is required.
“This webinar will provide an in-depth overview of the current U.S. immigration landscape and explore the challenges face by immigrant communities and the policies shaping their lives,” explains Kendal McBroom, General Board of Church and Society’s Director of Civil Human Rights, one of the speakers for the event. “Together, we will reflect on our faith’s call to action and discuss practical ways United Methodists can respond.”
“As United Methodists, our Social Principles affirm our commitment to offer support and welcome immigrants, migrants and refugees into our congregations,” says Bishop Julius C. Trimble, General Secretary of The Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, who also will speak at the webinar. “As people of faith committed to justice, compassion, and dignity for all, we strongly oppose ICE raids that harm immigrant communities, create fear, separate families, and go against our moral calling to welcome and protect the vulnerable.”
In addition to McBroom and Trimble, other speakers include:
- Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo, General Secretary of The General Commission on Religion and Race
- Melissa Bowe and Alba Jaramillo, Immigration Law and Justice Network
- Rev. Dr. Lydia Munoz, El Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry of the United Methodist Church
- Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, COB Chair of the Immigration Taskforce
The Rev. Laura B. Kigweba, Director of Grassroots Organizing at GBCS, will moderate the webinar.
Among the topics to be discussed are:
- How and why the church is called to stand be with immigrant communities
- Challenges and opportunities with the current national legislative landscape
- The role of litigation strategies in this moment
- Biblical examples that reflect solidarity and how those examples can be modeled in the local church
- How congregations can be in solidarity with immigrant-led congregations
- Calls to action, including knowing your rights and organizing a rapid response team at the local church and annual conference level
The webinar will include a time for questions from participants.
Organizers of the event are the General Board of Church and Society, the General Commission on Religion and Race, Immigration Law and Justice Network, Council of Bishops Immigration Task Force, and El Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. United Methodist Communications is offering support for the event.
The webinar will be available in English, Spanish and ASL.