English Language Transcript / Spanish Language Transcript
Washington, D.C. – Multiple denominational leaders gathered 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” was held at 7 p.m. EST, 6 p.m. CST, 5 p.m. MST. and 4 p.m. PST Monday, Feb. 10.
“This webinar provided an in-depth overview of the current U.S. immigration landscape and explore the challenges immigrant communities face and the policies shaping their lives,” explains Rev. 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 included:
- 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 Muñoz, El Plan for Hispanic/Latine 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, moderated the webinar.
Among the topics discussed are:
- How and why the church is called to stand with immigrant communities
- Challenges and opportunities with the current national legislative landscape
- 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
The webinar included 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/Latine Ministry. United Methodist Communications is offering support for the event. Co-sponsors of this event are United Women in Faith and United Methodist Committee on Relief.
The webinar was available in English, Spanish and ASL.