Thursday’s workshop, “Finding hope through action: Caring for immigrants in our community and our call to embody love,” outlined precise preparation and action to be taken by congregations and individuals committed to welcoming and nurturing immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and many others in various categories.
In a time when covenant is being broken by official authorities with many people who are following legal channels to gain documented status, when funding is being cut off to aid refugees and asylum seekers, and illegal actions are requiring the innocent to prove they belong–it’s a tough time.
But Founa Badet of Intercultural Ministries and Hannah Nelson and Marcia Sowles of the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy not only gave hardheaded, practical advice for churches, but also shared personal experiences.
“It’s a humiliating situation,” Badet said. “Know your rights.” Though she is a citizen, many people of color have been targeted simply because of their appearance, so Badet carries her passport wherever she goes. “Research your rights and know them word for word. They will step back if you know your rights.”
“It’s a humiliating situation,” Badet said. “Know your rights.” Though she is a citizen, many people of color have been targeted simply because of their appearance, so Badet carries her passport wherever she goes. “Research your rights and know them word for word. They will step back if you know your rights.”If one’s church is visited by ICE it is important, first of all, to have pre-designated individuals to meet them at the door to discourage entry. Another person should be designated to fetch the pastor and/or other individuals involved with immigration and asylum. If parts of the church are public places, accessible to anyone who happened to enter, ICE agents may be able to investigate those areas–so label at least one room or section of the building as “Private.” A private area is off limits to anyone without a warrant. And there is a difference between a warrant signed by a judge and one signed by an ICE agent. The latter is not sufficient to allow entry.
Sowles, who formerly worked as a civil servant and a lawyer in the Justice Department before retiring earlier this year, is volunteering with the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy. She discussed many current cases, outlined which countries have been reclassified, and was able to identify some recent court victories. She mentioned that prior to the current administration, politicians from both parties respected the boundaries crafted by the Justice Department, even when they didn’t agree with them. But now, she said, “there are no guard rails.” Combatting some of the wilder strategies of the current administration, or throwing out legal challenges is like playing Whack-a-Mole or Catch Me If You Can.
She emphasized that the online prayer service every Thursday at noon sponsored by the Deportation Defense Response team is essential to maintaining morale and purpose. “We are not giving up hope.”
Nelson emphasized that the two Church of the Brethren departments are providing resources for churches and church members. For helpful “Know Your Rights” resources go to www.brethren.org/intercultural/kyr-resources
— Frank Ramirez is a retired pastor and frequent contributor to Church of the Brethren communications.
#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving
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Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Mission and Ministry Board extends general secretary’s term, recognizes Material Resources, approves 2026 budget parameter, among other business
- Deportation Defense Response offers new online giving option to support Church of the Brethren members, shares requests for prayer and praise
- Brethren Disaster Ministries shares domestic program survey
- Faith leaders condemn administration efforts to abandon historic US refugee program
- Join a Children’s Disaster Services volunteer training in Spring 2026