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.
Nine months ago, during our report to the delegates at Annual Conference, we challenged the congregations of the church to raise $100,000 to create a new Legal and Mutual Aid Fund to meet the needs of Church of the Brethren immigrants due to harsh immigration enforcement. On Easter weekend, we give thanks that compassionate individuals and churches within the denomination have donated more than a quarter of a million dollars ($250,000) in the last nine months. Praise God!
The Deportation Defense Response Team is incredibly grateful for your generous support of the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund. At Annual Conference, On Earth Peace challenged the denomination to raise $100,000. You did it! As of Oct. 31, $107,380 has been raised to support individuals and families caught in the immigration system.