Our Annual Conference celebrated and heard from the coming generation. But controversies over a resolution and election of 2020 delegates also challenged our unity in Christ. Our bishop responds to some concerns.
Churches asked to support migrant families in Sanctuary churches
Download the Call to Action statement issued by GBCS The General Board of Church and Society has issued a Call to Action statement on immigration justice, mercy and hospitality, jointly with other United Methodist agencies and bodies, and is asking UMC members and congregations …
Advocating for immigration justice, mercy
Appeal to Shut Down Berks Family Detention Center “We oppose immigration policies that separate family members from each other or that include detention of families with children.” (Social Principles, ¶162.H) The UMC’s General Board of Church & Society announced a …
Celebrate Human Relations Day, Jan. 20
On Jan. 20, 2019, United Methodists will celebrate Human Relations Day, when we call on churches to help every one of God’s children realize their potential in relationship with others. Three recipient programs need our help to continue nurturing at-risk …
UMs support sojourners seeking asylum
As “caravans” of several thousand Central American asylum-seekers join thousands more undocumented immigrants in their persistent quest for U.S. residency, many religious groups, among them United Methodists, are on the southwest border and beyond extending mercy and rallying to their …
In Germantown, a sanctuary church resists the federal government – again
Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff Gammage continues his revealing coverage of First UMC of Germantown’s recent decision to provide sanctuary to two undocumented immigrant families whose appeals for protective asylum were rejected by the U.S. Bishop Peggy Johnson plans to visit …
New co-chair, Oct. 21 event for immigration advocacy team
The Eastern PA Conference Rapid Response Team (RRT) has a new co-leader and a new event for advocates of immigration justice and mercy to support. The Rev. Lydia Munoz now co-chairs of the RRT along with Ruth Daugherty, as the Rev. Lilian …
2 immigrant families find sanctuary at Philadelphia church
Two immigrant families, both with children who are American citizens, have taken sanctuary inside First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG) to resist deportation orders from the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The families, from Honduras and Jamaica, recently had …