Church is encouraged to recognize National Migration Week on Sept. 21-27

*Hannah Nelson of the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy holds a sign at an interfaith vigil outside the Supreme Court. Photo courtesy of Nate Hosler*

A release from the Deportation Defense Response

The Church of the Brethren’s Deportation Defense Response Team encourages the church to recognize National Migration Week (Sept. 21-27) and World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday, Sept. 27.

While this is a Catholic initiative, it is an opportunity for the broader universal body of Christ to stand in solidarity with those who have been displaced. In the United States, we recognize that many of our Church of the Brethren members and neighbors in our communities have fled danger, persecution, poverty, and disaster in their home countries to seek refuge in the US. Sadly, since January 2025, the US has stripped Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from 13 out of 17 countries, the rate of denial of asylum cases is now at 94 percent, and there is an indefinite suspension of the US Refugee Admission Program.

Many of those affected are vulnerable children. This year, the theme for World Day of Migrants and Refugees is “Even Just One of These Children,” a reference to Matthew 18:5, in which Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Please see this toolkit for more information.

As followers of Jesus, who was also a migrant and refugee, we must advocate for and support the most vulnerable. On Sunday, Sept. 27, we are calling for every congregation to lift up our siblings in the Church of the Brethren and neighbors in our communities who are facing persecution right now.

On Sunday, Sept. 27, we encourage all congregations to:

● Use theological, educational, and prayer resources within our DDR Toolkit.

● Take up an offering for the DDR Legal and Mutual Aid Fund to provide for basic needs and legal assistance.

● Host a letter writing event before or after church on that day, and schedule future letter writing events to demand legislators take action on the following items. Each of these links includes sample scripts:

— Urge Your Senators to Pass Legislation to Protect Haitian TPS Holders – Church World Service (CWS)

— Protect Immigrant Children: Urge Congress to Demand Safety and Due Process – CWS

— Urge Your Elected Leaders to Fight for Refugees Ahead of Upcoming Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions – CWS

— Urge Your Members of Congress to Pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act – CWS

Please email migrantjustice@onearthpeace.org with any questions. Email us with descriptions and photos of what you did with your congregation for World Day of Migrants and Refugees!

Immigration and Know Your Rights resources

#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving

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