The Michigan Conference is prepared to resource churches as they stand with and support migrant and immigrant neighbors in their communities.
JAMES DEATON
Content Editor
Soon after a new administration was sworn into office on January 20, several executive orders were signed affecting immigration policy to curb crime and deport persons who are not living in the United States legally. Plans are also being implemented to secure the U.S. border better.
Among the orders is one that reversed a policy that, for over a decade, had restricted federal immigration agents from implementing orders to investigate and make arrests in “sensitive locations,” such as schools and churches. Another executive order suspended the refugee resettlement program, which brought political asylees and victims of war to this country.
These changes to the law have impacted United Methodist churches and ministries in Michigan. Migrants, refugees, and political asylees are vital members of local congregations, and some churches have launched ministries to welcome migrant neighbors and support them as they become contributing members of our society. Read these stories to learn more.
Many of these recent decisions could cause harm, split families, and return individuals to places that are dangerous or lack support. For those in ministry with migrants, this has caused a lot of anxiety and confusion as church leaders navigate law changes and care for their communities.
Because this situation is rapidly changing and each church’s situation is unique, Michigan Conference leadership recommends that church and ministry leaders contact their district superintendent directly if they seek specific guidance. Superintendents are glad to have a conversation about your particular ministry context, hear your concerns, and find the right resources to best address your needs.
In addition to offering this one-on-one support, the Michigan Conference has gathered some resources to equip churches as they discern how God calls their faith community to stand beside migrant and immigrant neighbors and respond faithfully.
What The United Methodist Church Says
Several United Methodist boards and affiliated organizations have recently weighed in on the new presidential administration’s policies and how they align with matters of faith and conscience. These include the Council of Bishops (click to read), the General Board of Church and Society (click to read), and, most recently, Global Ministries/UMCOR (click to read).
These public statements are grounded in our Social Principles and Book of Resolutions, recently revised at the 2020/2024 General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In summary, the Social Principles state the following: “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.”
The newly updated Book of Resolutions has several items related to immigration and welcoming the migrant. It states that United Methodists stand with those affected by “globalization, dislocation, economic scarcity, persecution, climate change, and other reasons” (4271). However, United Methodists are called to do more than stand with these individuals. We care called to serve them and advocate for them.
What the Bible Says
Throughout the Bible, God’s people are called to love migrants. From Genesis to Revelation, God desires us to help the most vulnerable in our communities, especially the sojourner. Leviticus issues a call to love the sojourners in our midst, treating them like one of our citizens (Leviticus 19:33-34). Hebrews tells us that when we open our homes to guests, we may entertain angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2).
Jesus Christ himself was a refugee, fleeing persecution under the oppressive regime of Herod (Matthew 2:13-15). To support any policy that perpetuates the suffering of immigrants and refugees is to betray Christ’s commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31).
How to Take Action and Make a Difference
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- Pray for the protection and well-being of migrants and immigrants in your community. Pray for all leaders in positions of authority to act with compassion and mercy. Pray for changes to immigration law that respect the safety and inherent dignity of each human being. Then, discern what support your church can give. Build relationships with migrants and immigrants and ask them how you can be helpful to them at this time. Speak up for them and speak out against misinformation by knowing the facts.
- Lean on trusted ministry partners on the front lines, like Immigration Law & Justice Michigan (formerly Justice for Our Neighbors), which the Michigan Conference launched. Read their latest newsletter, which outlines ways you can support them as they assist immigrant and refugee neighbors in navigating the complexities and barriers of the U.S. immigration legal system. Click to download the newsletter.
- Register to attend the Solidarity with the Sojourner: Understanding U.S. Immigration and Our Call to Respond webinar on Monday, February 10, at 7 pm Eastern. It will be available in English, Spanish, and ASL. This webinar, sponsored by several leaders within The United Methodist Church, will provide an in-depth overview of the current U.S. immigration landscape and explore the challenges immigrant communities face. Click to learn more and register.
- Review this new resource guide with action ideas from Church and Society: Migrant Accompaniment: A Guide to Supporting Migrants and Immigrants Globally. Click to download.
- Share these two Faith and Facts cards produced by Church and Society, which summarize what the Bible says about these social issues, what The United Methodist Church says, and what churches can do in response:
- Immigration in the United States (click to download)
- Global Migration (click to download)
- Plan a Courageous Conversation about Immigration Bible study in your faith community. Use this resource and the teachable points about immigration created by Discipleship Ministries. Click to download.
- Dream up an idea to assist migrants in your community and get financial support by applying for an UMCOR Mustard Seed Migration Grant of $2,000. Several United Methodist churches have received one since the program’s inception. Click this link to read stories of faith in action on this issue. Click to learn more and apply.
- Sign up for Church World Service Action Alerts for advocacy opportunities. Church World Service is a faith-based organization transforming communities worldwide through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. It is an Advance Project of the United Methodist Church. Click to sign up.
- Thank local and state leaders who are choosing to welcome immigrants and migrants into your communities. Since immigration is a federal issue, tell your U.S. senators and representatives about your concerns related to our current immigration system and matters that are important to you. Click to search for your legislators. For those who wish to advocate for the reinstatement of the refugee resettlement policy, review these talking points created by Samaritas, a Michigan-based nonprofit working in this area.
Editorial note: Some sections of this article were adapted from resources provided by the General Board of Church and Society and United Methodist Communications.
Last Updated on February 12, 2025