See a photo album of the weekend meeting here.
by Wendy McFadden
The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board issued a resolution on immigration that emphasizes the church’s longstanding commitment to civil disobedience when government policies are unjust or conflict with biblical teachings.
The board drew on decades of church statements to urge individuals, congregations, districts, and the denomination to support immigrant communities, speak out against policies that harm families, and engage in civil disobedience when necessary.
“Church of the Brethren history and tradition include radical discipleship, conscientious objection, and participation in civil disobedience,” the board said.
The seven-page resolution, titled “Walking Together: Immigration, Peacemaking, Conscience, and Supporting One’s Neighbors,” will be provided online in multiple languages.
The assignment grew out of an Atlantic Southeast District query, which was referred to the board by the Annual Conference officers so that an urgent question could be answered in a timely way. The resolution was prepared by a board-appointed committee and will be passed on to Annual Conference for consideration.
The Mission and Ministry Board acted during its March 13-15 meeting, held in Modesto, Calif. The meeting was led by chair Kathy Mack, with assistance from chair-elect Josiah Ludwick and general secretary David Steele.
In his report, Steele spoke of the strategic plan, closure of the Material Resources program, staff transitions, recovery from the ransomware attack, the financial outlook, and involvement in the Deportation Defense Response Team.
From a report by treasurer Ed Woolf, the board learned that net assets remain strong and operating cash balances are healthy. However, giving to Core Ministries is down and expenses outpaced income. Bequests and disaster response giving were up, which meant that combined giving in 2025 increased from the previous year. Draws from investments continue to provide support for Core Ministries. Major work was required to rebuild the 2025 financials because of a ransomware attack in December 2024.
A highlight of the meeting was attendance Sunday morning at five congregations in the area. Board members and staff spread out to visit Empire Church of the Brethren, Centro Agape en Acción in Los Banos, Nueva Visión la Hermosa in Waterford, Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Sacramento, and Modesto Church of the Brethren.
The visit “started with handshakes and ended with hugs,” reported one board member. Others described stories, an impromptu opportunity to provide pastoral care, meaningful prayer, good music, and “so many connections.”
The board was hosted by pastor Andrew Sampson and the Modesto congregation, which prepared meals and introduced some of the nonprofit ministries that share space in the building. These include an organization that provides temporary housing for families, a community radio station, a daycare, and several other groups—which together bring “energy and life” to the church, Sampson said.
District executive Russ Matteson and board chair Gail Heisel described the Pacific Southwest District and its varied congregations, which range from some of the largest in the denomination to fledgling church starts.
In other business, the board . . .
- Approved a grant of $95,000 to the Nigeria Crisis Fund. Over almost 12 years, the church has given a total of $6.585 million in what has been its largest humanitarian effort ever. The systematic work is winding down in 2026, as the church in Nigeria has become stronger.
- Approved minor adjustments to the 2014 Ministry Leadership paper that will be considered by delegates at Annual Conference.
- Received an update on a recommendation from last year’s Breaking Down Barriers study committee, which asked the Mission and Ministry Board to consider two options for the way Annual Conference is held.
- Learned about the “New Table” conversation that was initiated by district executives and includes other leaders from across the denomination.
- Appointed Jeff Bach to a four-year term on the Brethren Historical Committee.
Board members heard reports from the various committees of the board, including the relatively new Revelation 7:9 Committee. That committee has been working to identify barriers to inclusion.
The agenda included an update from the coordinators of National Youth Conference and time in conversation with staff from four ministry areas—Intercultural Ministries, Discipleship and Leadership Formation, Global Mission, and Service Ministries.
The board also heard reports from several ex officio members—the Annual Conference moderator, Council of District Executives, and Bethany Theological Seminary.
