Dear Beloved Community of the Church of the Brethren, I write today with particular concern for our Haitian church members and their families. Following the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on July 27, many now face the possibility of detention, deportation, and family separation. Among those affected are approximately 300 Haitians who are part of Church of the Brethren congregations across the United States.
Deportation Defense Response
Deportation Defense Response Team encourages generous support for Haitian church members
In this time in which many of our Haitian sisters and brothers no longer have valid work permits due to the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, it is more important than ever that the church give generously to the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund. This fund directly supports our Haitian Church of the Brethren members in the US, among others.
Deportation Defense Response invites participation in World Refugee Day Ecumenical Service
The Church of the Brethren Deportation Defense Response (DDR) is inviting participation in a World Refugee Day Ecumenical Service taking place online on Wednesday, June 17, 6-7 p.m. (Eastern time).
Pastoral care in focus on a trip to Honduras to support deported church members
I wanted to share briefly on the trip I made to Honduras (March 9-16). The purpose of the trip was to provide pastoral care to two of my church members who had been deported and to learn what life is like post deportation.
‘Faith in Motion’ live virtual event hosted by Deportation Defense Response Team
“Faith in Motion: Pastor Irv Heishman’s Experience in Honduras” is the first “Faith in Motion” live, virtual event hosted by the Deportation Defense Response (DDR) Team of the Church of the Brethren. The event takes place online on Thursday, June 18, at 7 p.m. (Eastern time).
A new Brethren Rapid Response Network is organized
“My faith compelled me to respond,” one woman states, after in early 2025 seeing the harm of the new administration’s policies affecting immigrants and other vulnerable people. Many Brethren have felt their faith compel them to respond, too, and like her, have stepped up to lead and become involved with rapid response networks in their communities.
Conference business includes resolutions on weapons transfer, care for immigrants and refugees, polity adjustments for licensed and commissioned ministers
The business agenda for the 2026 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference has been announced. Along with numerous reports and the ballot, the delegate body will receive an interim report from the Review and Evaluation Committee and will consider four items of new business: resolutions on weapons transfer and care for immigrants and refugees, polity adjustments for licensed and commissioned ministers, and the yet-to-be-announced recommended COLA for the pastoral scale.
Faithful Response Immigration gathering offers inspiration and retreat experience for leaders of immigrant support efforts
The Faithful Response Immigration Gathering on March 17-19 at Camp Christian in Marysville, Ohio, drew participation from the four sponsoring denominations and others involved in immigration ministries.
Congregations join with Manchester University students at press conference at Miami Correctional Facility in Indiana
Members of four Church of the Brethren congregations in Indiana—Beacon Heights, Northview, Manchester, and Eel River Community—as well as Manchester University students, were part of a press conference at the Miami Correctional Facility on Thursday, April 9.
Board urges prayerful action to support immigrants
The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board met March 13-25, 2026, in Modesto, California. The board issues a resolution on immigration and heard many reports. A highlight was attendance Sunday at five local congregations.
