A release from the Deportation Defense Response initiative and On Earth Peace
At the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference this summer, On Earth Peace challenged the denomination to raise $100,000 to provide a Legal and Mutual Aid Fund to support Church of the Brethren members facing challenges as a result of the detention and deportation efforts of agencies that are part of the government’s Homeland Security administration.
The fund aids the Deportation Defense Response initiative created by four Church of the Brethren districts with the denomination’s Intercultural Ministries and On Earth Peace.
As of Sept. 23, the fund has received $44,830, a significant amount that has been put to work immediately in helping affected individuals and families. Eighteen grants have been given to help cover legal expenses, application and form fees (such as asylum, work permits, religious work permits), and mutual aid (such as rent, food, supplies). The grants have amounted to between $1,500 to $2,500 per individual. All grants are applied for and distributed through local congregations who are caring for immigrants in their membership.
Almost all funds received have been distributed, and future grants are dependent on additional support being received. To give financial support to the effort and help reach the initial goal of $100,000, mail contributions to: Atlantic Southeast District, Church of the Brethren, 64954 Orchard Dr., Goshen, IN 46526. Checks should be made payable to Atlantic Southeast District with “DDR” in the memo line.
Congregations that need to apply for assistance for their members may contact the Deportation Defense Response Team at ddrcobcoordinator@gmail.com to receive a link to the application form.
The funds that have been distributed have helped 18 Church of the Brethren families during this time of stress and crisis. With grateful hearts we thank you for the support received so far, and look forward to being able to do even more thanks to the generosity of individuals and congregations.
Contact Beth Sollenberger at atlanticsoutheastcob@gmail.com with questions or for more information.
#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving
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