Justice and Advocacy

What you can do to respond to inhumane treatment of migrant children

Recent news stories are revealing the overcrowded, unsanitary, ill-provisioned, and fatal conditions migrants – especially children – are facing in detention centers at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Many of these children, families, and adults are asylum seekers, fleeing violence in their home countries.

The United Methodist Church opposes “immigration policies that separate family members from each other or that include detention of families with children” (Social Principles, ¶162.H). For years, the Church has called on the government to eliminate “indefinite detention, [and the] incarceration of children” and to establish “an immigration system that is rooted in the inherent worth, dignity, value and human rights of migrants.” (Book of Resolutions, 3281)

Here’s what you can do in response. Use the resources to below to learn, give and act.

Consider gathering a group of at least 3-4 people (friends, family, neighbors, fellow church members, co-workers, etc.) who are concerned about the treatment of migrant children in detention.

Share these resources and make a plan with your group  to meet regularly. Learn together: Study the resources together. Give together: Donate personally or host a fundraiser for UMCOR Global Migration or JFON MI.  Act together: assemble hygiene kits, contact elected officials, and attend a rally or public witness event together. Invite others to join you.

LEARN

 United Methodist Statements

• • "A Call to Action in Reponse to the Plight of Migrants " UM Immigration Task Force, United Methodist Women, General Board of Global MInistries, and General Board of Church and Society
  • “Help Care for the Children of God” by the Rev. Jack Amick, Director of Global Migration, United Methodist Committed on Relief
  • “Responding to the Inhuman Treatment of Migrant Children” National Justice for Our Neighbors 

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United Methodist Social Teaching related to Migration:

• • “Global Migration and the Quest for Justice” The 2016 Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church
  • “Welcoming the Migrant to the U.S.’ The 2016 Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church
  • “Immigration Fact and Faith Card”

Group Studies on Immigration:

• • Welcoming the Stranger: A Bible Study from Church World Service 
  • Immigration and the Bible from United Methodist Women 

Host a Speaker

• • Host a speaker from Justice for Our Neighbors Michigan

 

GIVE

You and your congregation can financially support United Methodist ministries with migrants in two ways:

UMCOR Global Migration

This UMCOR fund addresses the global refugee migration crisis through grants. UMCOR staff are currently partnering with United Methodists congregations, ministries, and organizations in communities on both sides of the U.S. and Mexico border.

Give online here. 

If you are sending funds in 2018, please make your check out to either the Detroit Conference or West Michigan Conference with Global Migration in the memo. If you are sending funds in 2019, make your check out to the Michigan Conference. Please mail all checks to: Treasury, Administrative Services & Benefits, 1161 East Clark Rd, Suite 212, DeWitt, MI 48820

Justice for Our Neighbors Michigan (JFON MI)

JFON MI is a United Methodist related immigration legal services provider with locations in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Metro Detroit, and Traverse City. JFON MI provides legal representations for asylum seekers, refugee green card applications, and victims of crime, trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic abuse.

Give online here. 

Mail a check made out to Justice for Our Neighbors Michigan to 2000 West 13 Mile Road, Beverly Hills, MI 48025

 

ACT

Assemble UMCOR Hygiene Kits

While UMCOR is not allowed to distribute hygiene kits to the U.S. government holding centers, UMCOR is distributing hygiene kits at transitional shelters all along the U.S.-Mexico border. In the last three months, UMCOR delivered 46,128 hygiene kits to six church-run transitional shelters. Instructions on how to make and send these kits are available at UMCOR’s website (UMCOR.org). Kits should be shipped to UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Lousiana. Please contact staff at Sager Brown to make arrangements. 

Tell Congress and President Trump: End Child Detention and Child Separation

Church and Society, the UMC’s advocacy agency, is calling on United Methodists, especially children and youth, to write their members of Congress and President Trump. Instructions on how to write, email, or call elected officials are available at Church and Society’s website.

Meet with your members of Congress in person during the Summer Recess

Members of Congress are on recess August 5 to September 6. Assemble a group people and schedule a meeting with your U.S Representative and/or  our Michigan Senators at a local office to express your concerns and call for action. Instructions on how to set up and organize the meeting are available at the Interfaith Immigration Coalition's website. 

Support Sanctuary Churches 

There are ten United Methodist congregations providing sanctuary to migrants facing deportation. Please consider sending a note or postcard of support the churches and families in this ministry of compassion, justice, and hospitality. More information is available at Church and Society's website. 

 

Questions? Contact the Rev. Paul Perez