Beyond Borders
As Human Relations Sunday approaches on January 19, bishops of the South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church have united to release a pastoral letter, titled Beyond Borders: A Christian Response to Immigration Complexities. The letter addresses the pressing issue of immigration and calls upon United Methodists to reflect on their role in supporting migrant, immigrant and refugee communities.
One opportunity to engage in respectful and empathetic conversations about immigration will come Jan. 28 in A UMC Conversation: The Journey with Migrant, Immigrant, and Refugee Communities, a noon webinar that is open to all. This event will feature panelists who will share their experiences in offering hospitality and support to migrant communities, and it aims to deepen understanding and foster meaningful dialogue around these critical issues. Registration is now open, and the session will be recorded for use after the event.
In the Horizon Texas Conference, La Fundición de Cristo (Christ's Foundry) will hold a bilingual prayer service at 2 p.m. on Jan. 19 in support of and solidarity with the immigrant community. Alongside worship and communion, Bishop Saenz will share words of support.
United Methodists are also invited to join the General Commission on Religion and Race, the General Board of Church and Society, and El Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry for From Fear to Belonging, a Jan. 20 virtual prayer vigil intended to lift up migrants and immigrants, proclaim God’s faithfulness and reframe the narrative from fear to belonging.
A Letter from Active and Retired South Central Bishops of The United Methodist Church
Dear United Methodists,
As your South Central Jurisdictional bishops, we write to you with burdened hearts regarding our nation's complex immigration issue. We recognize the diverse perspectives within our congregations and the deep concerns many of you have expressed about this challenging reality.
Our nation stands at a crossroads, with significant proposed changes to immigration policies. These proposals include plans for sweeping large-scale deportation of undocumented immigrants, which could potentially separate families, including those with U.S. citizen children. Proposed expedited removal procedures have raised concerns about due process and access to legal representation. Additionally, proposed changes regarding the issuance of visas will likely impact many in our nation.
These and other potential actions have created fear and uncertainty among many in our communities, particularly those who are undocumented or have loved ones in vulnerable situations. As Christ followers and United Methodists, we are called to prayerfully reflect on these developments and the lives and communities these policy changes will impact.
Scripture and our Wesleyan tradition affirm the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of legal status. Our faith calls us to welcome the stranger and love our neighbors as ourselves, expressing God's care and love for the vulnerable and displaced through compassion and hospitality.
We recognize that immigration policy is multifaceted, involving questions of national security, economic impact, and social integration. There are valid concerns about these aspects, and we hear your voices on these matters.
While policy solutions may differ, we can unite around our core Christian principles:
Welcoming the stranger
Treating all people with dignity and respect
Showing compassion for those in vulnerable situations
We invite all United Methodists in the South Central Jurisdiction to engage in respectful, empathetic conversations about immigration. Let us create spaces where diverse viewpoints can be shared without judgment, seeking understanding and common ground.
In light of this, we are pleased to invite you to participate in an important upcoming webinar event:
A UMC Conversation: The Journey with Migrant, Immigrant, and Refugee Communities
This webinar will provide an opportunity to deepen our understanding and engage in meaningful dialogue about these pressing issues. During this session, panelists will share their experiences welcoming and offering hospitality to migrant, immigrant, and refugee communities. They will reflect on past efforts, current changes, and future expectations, helping us to better comprehend the complexities of this journey.
We encourage you to join us on Tuesday, January 28 at noon Central via ZOOM. To participate, please register in advance using the following link: A UMC Conversation: The Journey with Migrant, Immigrant, and Refugee Communities.
This webinar aligns with our call to engage in respectful, empathetic conversations about immigration, offering a unique opportunity to learn from those directly involved in ministering with and supporting these vulnerable communities.
Also, this webinar will be recorded and made available for use in our churches. This recording will serve as a valuable resource for congregations seeking to engage with these important issues, foster meaningful discussions, and deepen our understanding of our shared journey with migrant, immigrant, and refugee communities. We encourage you to utilize this recording in your small groups, Bible studies, or other church gatherings to continue the conversation and inspire action within your local communities.
The United Methodist Church has a unique opportunity to model Christ's love while engaging with complex societal issues. We encourage United Methodists to:
Pray for wisdom, compassion, and just solutions for all involved in this complex situation.
Study scripture and our United Methodist Social Principles to inform our understanding of this issue.
Seek accurate information from reliable sources to inform your views.
Support ministries and organizations that provide care and legal assistance to vulnerable or fearful immigrants in our communities.
Engage with local and national leaders to express your thoughtful perspectives on immigration policy that reflect our Christian values of compassion, justice, and human dignity.
While we may not all agree on specific policy solutions, we can remain united in our commitment to love God and our neighbor. May our actions and words reflect the grace and compassion of Christ as we face this trying circumstance as one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to the world.
In Christ's love,
Active SCJ Bishops
Bishop Robert Farr, Missouri Episcopal Area
Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, Texas and Rio Texas Episcopal Area
Bishop Laura Merrill, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Indian Missionary Episcopal Area
Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut, Phoenix Episcopal Area and New Mexico Episcopal Area
Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr., Horizon Texas Episcopal Area
Bishop Delores J. Williamston, Louisiana Episcopal Area
Retired SCJ Bishops
Bishop Charles Crutchfield
Bishop Janice Huie
Bishop William Hutchinson
Bishop Joel Martinez
Bishop Michael McKee
Bishop Gary Mueller
Bishop Fritz Mutti
Bishop Robert Schnase
Bishop Ann Sherer
Bishop Dan Solomon
Bishop Max Whitfield
Bishop Joe Wilson
