Immigration Press Conference
Fort Worth, Texas, April 25, 2008
A call for justice and humane treatment of migrants was issued on the first full days of the 2008 legislating General Conference of The United Methodist Church. Representatives of the four general boards, bishops, and other programmatic agencies of The United Methodist Church addressed the significance of providing sanctuary to those individuals.
News and Statements follow:
Statements:
These texts are based on statements released before the presentations during General Conference and might vary from the actual delivered speech.
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, "A Hope Beyond Ourselves" (PDF, 6pp, 38K)
"Jesus comes to free us from all the lifeless tombs of our lives. He comes to free us from death that we may have life."- The Rev. Walter L. Coleman, Adalberto United Methodist Church (PDF, 4pp, 28K)
"Until that day comes, we call on United Methodists everywhere to receive the faithful witness of sanctuary, to stand firmly in their faith, and to refuse to abandon those who have picked up the cross of Jesus."
View video on umc.org: Windows Media | QuickTime - The Rev. David K. Farley (PDF, 3pp, 26K)
"This is not just an "immigration problem." This is a humanitarian crisis of tremendous proportions."
View video on umc.org: Windows Media | QuickTime - Erin Hawkins, General Secretary, General Commission on Religion and Race of The United Methodist Church (PDF, 2pp, 19K)
"The path of sanctuary is not easy, but it is necessary for churches that feel called by God and empowered by Christ to seek justice and love mercy." - Jim Winkler, General Board of Church and Society (PDF, 2pp, 21K)
"We have a problem caring for sojourners and strangers. In December of 2005, the US House of Representatives passed the most draconian immigration legislation in the history of the United States."
News
United Methodist Church Supports Justice for Immigrants
by Andrew J. Schleicher
5/1/08: General Conference adopted two resolutions covering both global migration and immigration issues in the US.
Immigration as a Justice Issue: Rally at General Conference Call for Humane Policies
by Andrew J. Schleicher
April 25, 2008: A call for justice and human treatment of migrants was issued during General Conference 2008.
Unjust Immigration Policies a Hometown Issue for Women
by Yvette Moore
4/25/08: "The truth is human and civil rights protections need to expand until the whole globe is included, until we are all regarded as beloved children of God."