Understanding Why Immigration Justice Matters to United Methodists
In this conversation with Rev. Paul Fleck (Executive Director, Immigration Law & Justice NY) and Rev. Doris K. Dalton (Director of Connectional Ministries) offer details why immigration justice is so much more than a political issue for United Methodists.
Listen to this entire podcast to get the details needed to inform and educate your local congregations and laity as we all strive to live more fully into our United Methodists beliefs.
BACKGROUND
Immigration justice is an important issue for United Methodists because it aligns with their core values of compassion, justice, and care for the vulnerable. The United Methodist Church (UMC) believes in standing for the rights and dignity of all people, including immigrants and refugees. There are several reasons why immigration justice matters to the UMC:
1. Biblical Teachings: The Bible has many passages that call for welcoming the stranger and caring for those who are marginalized. For example, Leviticus 19:34 instructs, "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God." United Methodists see this as a direct call to support immigrants and refugees.
2. Advocacy for the Vulnerable: The UMC emphasizes social justice and the importance of advocating for those who are most vulnerable in society, which includes immigrants. The church believes in promoting policies that protect the rights of immigrants, including refugees and asylum seekers.
3. The United Methodist Social Principles: The UMC's Social Principles call for justice and compassion in all aspects of life, including immigration. The church advocates for humane and just immigration policies that uphold the dignity of every person and promote fairness, due process, and family unity.
4. Welcoming All: United Methodists are encouraged to create communities that welcome all people, regardless of their background or immigration status. This includes providing sanctuary and support for those who are at risk of deportation, as well as working toward comprehensive immigration reform that ensures fairness and dignity for all.
5. Global Mission: United Methodists are part of a global church, and many members are part of immigrant communities. The church seeks to engage with global issues, such as migration, recognizing that many of the root causes of immigration are tied to violence, poverty, and injustice in other countries. By addressing immigration justice, the UMC can support solutions that tackle these global problems.
6. Connection to Methodist Heritage: The United Methodist Church has a long history of advocating for justice, including issues related to human rights. Immigration justice continues this tradition of standing up for vulnerable populations.
Ultimately, for United Methodists, immigration justice is not just a political issue but a matter of living out their faith and commitment to the values of love, justice, and service to others.
RESOURCES
- About Rev. Paul Fleck
- Immigration Law & Justice New York
- A Time for Courage, Endurance, Strength and Conviction: A Message from Bishop Bickerton
- What the UMC Believes About Immigrants and Migrants
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