"Welcoming the World to our Doorstep" Packet/Pledge

Congregations, regions, general ministries, institutions and organizations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are invited to reflect on immigration from a faith perspective. The following packet has been developed to facilitate theological reflection on immigration. It is hoped that, after such reflection, a decision will be made to sign the "Welcoming the World to our Doorstep" pledge. Once that decision has been made, it is further hoped that there will be action steps taken to provide a concrete welcome to people regardless of their immigration status.

Welcoming the World to our Doorstep Packet

• Cover
• Study and Action Guide
• Theological Reflection on Immigration by Eric Brown
• Theological Reflection on Immigration by Michel Kinnamon
• Theological Reflection on Immigration by Tim Lee
• Theological Reflection on Immigration by Daisy Machado
• WCC Theological Reflection on Migration by Jennifer Riggs
• Six Biblical Themes on Immigration by Jennifer Riggs
• Pledge Form

Additional Resources from RIM

• Undocumented Persons: Should we Blame or Welcome them?
• What does the Bible Say about Refugees and Immigrants?
• Worship Materials on Refugee and Immigration Issues
• Understanding U.S. Immigration Categories (Available in English and Spanish)
• Asylum, Detention, Deportation, and the Legal Rights of the Undocumented
• Resources for Promoting Refugee and Immigration Ministries in your Congregation (Containing role plays, discussion starters, available videos, etc.)
• History of: Our Immigrant and Anti-Immigrant Nation, Our Immigrant Denomination, and Our Disciples' Refugee and Immigration Ministries Program
• Advocacy Tips

Additional Resources on the Web

• New, Summer of 2011! Becoming the Church Together from the North Carolina Council of Churches
• New, Summer of 2011! Arizona: State of Fear from the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church
• Out of the Waters: Resisting the Power of Fear from Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service
• And Who is My Neighbor? by Dr. Sam Kobia, World Council of Churches
• Who is My Neighbor? A Faith Discussion on Immigration (Sunday School DVD Curriculum) from the Colorado Council of Churches
• Loving Our Neighbors: Immigration and the Mexican Border (Curriculum) from The Thoughtful Christian
• Fear, Cultural Idolatry, and the Liberating Power of Faith: on Immigration in the United States by the Rev. Jose F. Morales Jr.
• The Bible as the Ultimate Immigration Handbook from Church World Service
• Give Me Your Tired and Poor: U.S. Immigration Policy from The Thoughtful Christian
• For You Were Once a Stranger: Immigration in the U. S. Through the Lens of Faith from Interfaith Worker Justice
• A Cup of Cold Water: Immigration & Hospitality from the North Carolina Council of Churches
• Immigration Reform 101 from the United Metodist Church

In many parts of the United States, resource persons are available to assist congregations in reflecting on the issue of welcoming persons regardless of immigration status. To learn if there are resource persons in your area, contact RIM.