Disciples Home Missions

Connecting People to the Life-Changing Love of God

Toolkit

May 7, 2025 Refugee & Immigration Resources

May 7, 2025
Includes the 2025 Refugee Resettlement Response Guide, Updated Policy Asks and Messaging Guidelines, Advocacy Tools You Can Use, and Invitations to Join the Movement for Refugee and Immigrant Justice

May 7, 2025 Refugee & Immigration Resources

by Brian Frederick-Gray

Seeking to be a source of trusted information/resources for local congregations, Regions, and ministries, Justice & Advocacy Ministries offers the following curated list of toolkits, articles, and videos about refugee and immigration ministries.

Take Action and Lift Your Voice

2025 Refugee Resettlement Response Guide
Community leaders, business leaders, faith leaders, and others have an important role to play in supporting and defending the U.S. refugee program. Our partners at The Refugee Advocacy Lab and the International Rescue Committee have prepared this guide that offers tips for: 1) Engaging with Elected Officials; 2) Engaging with the Press; 3) Engaging on Social Media. 

Spring 2025 State & Local Action Toolkit
States and localities have a vital role to play in undertaking a proactive strategy to maintain and expand our capacity to welcome refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and other newcomers. This guide from our colleagues at Refugee Council USA is designed to help equip communities with tools for local action specifically tailored for your context.

Updated Policy Asks and Messaging Guidance from Church World Service
Our friends at Church World Service have created helpful talking points (supported by links to news articles and personal testimonies) to go along with three key policy asks for supporting refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. 

The Faithful Fight Toolkit: Welcoming the Stranger
Americans of different religious beliefs and political ideologies are joining together to protect immigrants and to defend the rule of law. This toolkit from Protect Democracy offers tips on using our moral voice to speak out in favor of immigrants and refugees while working with local leaders and helping our neighbors to know their rights. 

Join the Movement

Sign “The Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge”
Church World Service has issued a bold statement uniting faith communities in opposition to policies that harm refugees and immigrants. By signing this declaration, you unite with others to show that we will not stand by in the face of injustice. We will advocate for the protection of refugees, immigrants and vulnerable people, while holding our elected leaders accountable to the values of compassion, generosity and welcome. Please note: By sign the statement you will also be connected to workshops and future projects supporting refuge.

A Pentecost Witness for Justice & A Moral Budget
Join clergy and lay leaders from across the United States for a powerful public witness at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, June 10, 2025—just days after Pentecost Sunday. Together, we will march, pray, and speak out in defense of the poor and vulnerable.

Advocacy Tools You Can Use

5 Calls: Connect with Your US Congressional Representatives
A downloadable phone app, 5 Calls is an easy and effective way for US constituents to make a political impact. Once you download the app you choose the issues you care about and enter your location, then the app provides you with a helpful script and the opportunity to call your elected officials directly. It is available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. 

#TheMajorityProject from Signs of Justice
The goal of #TheMajorityProject is to mail 1,000,000 postcards to US Congress members in sustained monthly waves. Unlike emails or phone calls, postcards pile up on desks, creating a physical, undeniable message that lawmakers can’t ignore. Visit the website to order your cards in bulk OR to download the PDF for free and print them yourself. 

Stay Informed on the Issues

Law, Rights & Religion Project: Update on Sensitive Locations Litigation
In January of 2025, President Donald Trump withdrew a policy known as the “sensitive locations memo,” which had previously limited immigration enforcement in locations such as houses of worship and religious ceremonies. Religious groups challenged the withdrawal of these protections. This document from the Law, Rights & Religion Project at Columbia Law School provides updates on initial decisions in these ongoing lawsuits.

AILA Statement: Warning About Self-Deportation from the United States
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has raised serious concerns about the Department of Homeland Security’s recently announced $1,000 stipends for people choosing to self-deport from the United States. 

Know Your Rights

ACLU: Enforcement at the Airport
Learn about your rights when encountering law enforcement (specifically Customs and Border Protection officers and Immigration and Custom Enforcement officers) at the airport. Available in: (Arabic) العَرَبِيَّة  | Español (Spanish) | Français (French) | (Urdu) اُردُو | Soomaali (Somali) | हिंदी (Hindi) | فارسی (Farsi) | (Traditional Chinese) 繁體中文 | (Simplified Chinese) 简体中文

 AMMPARO: What Congregations Can Do to Prepare for Immigration Raids
There are various steps that congregations can take to prepare for possible encounters with immigration or immigration-related officials. This guide discusses some of these steps in detail and provides links to other information that can further elaborate on the process.

Additional Resources from Disciples Home Missions and our Partners

Refugee Council USA’s Action Center
Sign-up for Church World Service’s Daily” State of Play” Updates
Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Executive Actions
Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel Video: Know Your Rights
Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel Video: What Your Church Should Know
Discover the Full List of Refugee and Immigration Resources on DHM’s Website
Visit Justice & Advocacy Ministries @ DHM’s Webpage
Know Your Rights: In Your Home and Judicial vs. Administrative Warrants

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Low angle of diverse elegant women with identity badges working in government office and discussing building in town

Church World Service Updated Policy Asks and Messaging Guidance in Support of Refugees and Immigrants

May 2, 2025
Our partners at Church World Service have prepared a resource to help us urge national, state, and local elected leaders to: - Urge the Trump administration to abide by recent court orders and restore the refugee resettlement program. - Publicly express your support for refugees and the bipartisan U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE). - Stand up for refugees and newcomers in upcoming congressional funding and legislative deliberations.

Church World Service Updated Policy Asks and Messaging Guidance in Support of Refugees and Immigrants

by Brian Frederick-Gray

Low angle of diverse elegant women with identity badges working in government office and discussing building in town

Our partners at Church World Service have prepared a resource to help us urge national, state, and local elected leaders to:

  • Urge the Trump administration to abide by recent court orders and restore the refugee resettlement program.
     
  • Publicly express your support for refugees and the bipartisan U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE). 
     
  • Stand up for refugees and newcomers in upcoming congressional funding and legislative deliberations.

April 2, 2025 Refugee & Immigration Resources

Apr 2, 2025
Includes information on "What to Do If You or a Loved One is Detained", action links to the Solidarity Pledge and CWS Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration, a Guide for Advocates Assisting People Facing Expanded Expedited Removal, and more!

April 2, 2025 Refugee & Immigration Resources

by Brian Frederick-Gray

Seeking to be a source of trusted information/resources for local congregations, Regions, and ministries, Justice & Advocacy Ministries offers the following curated list of the articles, explainers, and videos about refugee and immigration ministries.

Know Your Rights

What to Do if You or a Loved One is Detained
This resource from the National Immigrant Justice Center is designed to help immigrants, their families, and their friends better understand what to do when someone is detained by immigration officials. 
En Español: Qué Hacer si Usted o un Ser Querido es Detenido

KYR: Trump Administration’s Newly Announced Registration Requirement 
This multilingual resource from the National Immigration Law Center provides critical information for community members about the newly announced registration process for some undocumented immigrants, including potential risks such as detention, deportation, and legal consequences.

Languages: Arabic | Chinese – Simplified | Chinese – Traditional | English | Haitian Creole | Korean | Spanish | Tagalog | Vietnamese |

Stay Informed on the Issues

Legal Decoder: Termination of Humanitarian Parole for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV)
On May 21, 2025 the Trump Administration issued notice terminating the humanitarian parole processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV), effective March 25th. The Justice Action Center offers this helpful explainer.

AP News: Lawyer for Immigration Activist Suspects ICE Retaliating Against Her
A lawyer for immigration activist arrested this month told a judge Friday that authorities appear to be retaliating against Jeanette Vizguerra years after she took refuge in Denver churches to avoid deportation during the first Trump administration.

Take Action and Lift Your Voice

The Action Lab: Sign the Solidarity Pledge
The Action Lab invites you join them in standing against unjust deportations. Once you sign the pledge you’ll be invited to upcoming training calls on taking action with this movement. Every signature on the solidarity pledge counts towards making a difference and protecting our neighbors, communities, and loved ones. 

CWS: The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge
Church World Service has issued a bold statement uniting faith communities in opposition to policies that harm refugees and immigrants. The Declaration is open for signatures (from Individuals, Churches, and Organizations) and will remain open through Lent. 

Resources for your Church and Community

ILRC: Expedited Removal Toolkit – A Guide for Advocates Assisting People
Facing Expanded Expedited Removal
Expedited removal is a process that allows immigration enforcement officers to quickly deport certain people from the United States without providing them an opportunity to speak with an attorney or allowing them to see a judge before being deported. This guide created by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center will help you assist people who might be subject to the expanded use of expedited removal.

IIC: An Interfaith Platform for Immigration Reform
A positive vision for the future from the Interfaith Immigration Coalition: U.S. policies on immigration and refugee resettlement should recognize the gifts, contributions, and struggles of immigrants and refugees, ensuring justice and protection for all. The IIC’s platform is rooted in interfaith principles which call us to ensure that our laws promote and protect the dignity of each individual.

USCCB Report: One Part of the Body: The Potential Impact of Deportations on American Christian Families
This new report details the potential impact of deportations on American Christian families by relying upon “the best data available to make reasonable estimates of how deportations could impact Christian families in the United States, and then highlighted those statistical estimates with profiles of individuals within Catholic and Protestant congregations throughout the country.”

AP News: Tracking Lawsuits against Donald Trump’s Executive Actions
Dozens of lawsuits have been filed during President Donald Trump’s second administration. The suits challenge his executive orders as well as actions taken by his administration. The courts have agreed to block the president in a number of cases, and the administration is seeking appeals as well. Follow the cases with this excellent tracker from the Associated Press.

The Christian Century: Sanctuary has Always been Tenuous
“The ancient tradition of sanctuary went on to give rise to a formal system in the Middle Ages, by which people could be protected for a limited period of time within the doors of a sanctuary… Modern sanctuary movements have made use of both the biblical and the medieval models to push back against policies they have found to be immoral.”

Podcast: Sanctuary – On the Border Between Church and State
A limited podcast series from Dr. Lloyd Barba and Dr. Sergio Gonzalez about the politics of immigration, faith as radical hospitality, and the borders between church and state.

Additional Resources from Disciples Home Missions

Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel Video: Know Your Rights

Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel Video: What Your Church Should Know

Refugee and Immigration Ministry Tools (March 2025)

Sensitive Locations FAQ for Houses of Worship

Letter: Nationwide Outcry over Refugee Suspension & Funding Freeze

Guide: What to do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace

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Congressional Recess Advocacy Guide

Mar 14, 2025
Every couple months, members of Congress go on “recess,” returning to their home states and districts. Both members of the House of Representatives and the Senate use these periods to engage with voters, hold town halls and public events, conduct in-district legislative meetings, and make themselves available to their constituents.The next Congressional recess is currently scheduled for: March 17-21, 2025. March 17 is also the 45th anniversary of the signing of the bipartisan Refugee Act into law, legislation that formalized and codified the modern U.S. refugee and asylum systems – and which remains the law of the land. The upcoming recess period is a vital moment to take action and ensure your voice is heard.

Congressional Recess Advocacy Guide

by Brian Frederick-Gray

Church World Services March Recess Advocacy Guide and Template Materials

Shortlink: bit.ly/MarchRecessAdvocacyGuide

Every couple months, members of Congress go on “recess,” returning to their home states and districts. Both members of the House of Representatives and the Senate use these periods to engage with voters, hold town halls and public events, conduct in-district legislative meetings, and make themselves available to their constituents.The next Congressional recess is currently scheduled for: March 17-21, 2025.

March 17 is also the 45th anniversary of the signing of the bipartisan Refugee Act into law, legislation that formalized and codified the modern U.S. refugee and asylum systems – and which remains the law of the land. The upcoming recess period is a vital moment to take action and ensure your voice is heard.

Refugee and Immigration Ministry Tools

Mar 7, 2025
Seeking to be a source of trusted information/resources for local congregations, Regions, and ministries Justice & Advocacy Ministries offers the following curated list of the articles, explainers, and videos about refugee and immigration ministries: Including Know Your Rights, Videos from Attorney Ocloo, Ways to Stay Informed, Ways to Take Action, and More...

Refugee and Immigration Ministry Tools

by Brian Frederick-Gray

Seeking to be a source of trusted information/resources for local congregations, Regions, and ministries Justice & Advocacy Ministries offers the following curated list of the articles, explainers, and videos about refugee and immigration ministries.

Know Your Rights

Download the Know Your Rights Phone App from NAKASEC

Developed by the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium, this app is available in 16 languages. It has the ability to read your rights out loud to an ICE or law enforcement agent as well as send a message to an emergency contact. It has other resources as well such as the ability to look up a consulate and includes a sample family preparedness plan. Available for iPhone and for Android.

The Red Card

This guide produced by the Immigration Legal Resource Center provides basic information about important practices to remember during encounters with law or immigration enforcement. You can print out the Red Card which can be handed to an officer asserting your rights. 

Languages: Arabic | Chinese | English | Farsi | French | Haitian Creole | Hmong | Korean | Pashto| Punjabi | Russian | Spanish | Tagalog | Tigrinya | Ukrainian | Vietnamese |

New Videos from Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel

Immigration Webinar Highlights: Know Your Rights

Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel Jonelle Ocloo offers a quick explanation of the constitutional rights guaranteed to everyone regardless of immigration status.

Immigration Webinar Highlights: What Your Church Should Know

Attorney Ocloo shares “What Your Church Should Know” about the recission of “Sensitive Locations”, practical steps for dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and differentiating between an ICE Administrative Warrant and a Judicial Warrant.

Stay Informed on the Issues

Church World Service “State of Play” Daily e-Mail Blast

Sign up to receive daily updates from Church World Service on the current state of the refugee resettlement program, the indefinite refugee ban, and the funding halt.

Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administrative Actions

A comprehensive list tracking legal challenges to Trump administration actions. 
The site includes direct links and case summaries.

Motion Law: Know the Difference Between Warrants

There is a significant difference between a Judicial Warrant and an ICE Administrative Warrant — they differ in their purpose, the level of proof required, the legal authority granted, and the issuing authority. By grasping the differences, you’ll be better equipped to navigate situations where these legal orders may arise, ensuring you and your community understand your rights and obligations.

El Pueblo Unido: A Resource Guide for Community Leaders

Created by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) this guide provides essential information to help community leaders navigate policy changes, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of immigration status.

Columbia Law School’s Law Rights and Religion Project: 
FAQ’s on Religious Liberty and Immigration

The Law Rights and Religion Project created this document to explain how the Religious Freedom Restoration Act might apply to protect people and communities of faith from immigration-related surveillance and enforcement.

Disciples.org: CC(DoC) Joins Multifaith Coalition in Lawsuit

The General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) unanimously approved our joining a multifaith coalition in taking legal action against the recession of the Sensitive Locations Policy. We are one of 27 named plaintiffs in the complaint. 

Take Action and Lift Your Voice

CWS: The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge

Church World Service has issued a bold statement uniting faith communities in opposition to policies that harm refugees and immigrants. The Declaration is open for signatures (from Individuals, Churches, and Organizations) and will remain open through Lent. 

RCUSA: Congressional Recess Toolkit

Members of the US Senate and House of Representatives will be on “recess” and visiting their states/districts from March 17-21, 2025. Refugee Council USA created a one page advocacy action guide with helpful tools for meeting with your congressional leaders. 

Tell Congress: Pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act

This law would make it illegal for immigration officials to target places like schools, hospitals, and places of worship—ensuring these spaces are safe for children and families. This Action Alert from Mom’s Rising makes it easy to contact your U.S. representatives. 

Additional Resources from Disciples Home Missions

Sensitive Locations FAQ for Houses of Worship

Video: Terminology and the US Immigration System

Executive Orders Resource List (January 2025)

Immigration Resource List (January 2025)

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Executive Orders Resource List

Jan 24, 2025
Seeking to be a source of trusted information/resources for local congregations, Regions, and ministries Justice & Advocacy Ministries offers the following curated list of the articles, explainers, and videos about the executive orders signed by President Trump in the week following his inaguration.

Executive Orders Resource List

by Brian Frederick-Gray

January 2025

Justice and Advocacy Ministries empowers Disciples to use our voices and our actions to promote greater justice and mercy in the world. Disciples Home Missions seeks to bring a coordinated approach to influencing the church’s work for justice with a focus on three key areas: 

  1. Refugee and Immigration Ministries
  2. Racial Justice
  3. Environmental Justice

Following his inauguration on Monday January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed executive orders that do real damage in each of those three key focus areas.

Seeking to be a source of trusted information/resources for local congregations, Regions, and ministries Justice & Advocacy Ministries offers the following curated list of the articles, explainers, and videos about the executive orders.

Explainers and Fact Sheets

Summary: Immigration Executive Actions
A Google Drive Folder containing PDF’s of the Trump Immigration Executive Orders 

Summary: Executive Orders on Energy and Environment: A Quick Summary
The Climate Law Blog from the Sabin Center at Columbia University offers a short summary of each EO on the environment along with direct links to the text of each one.

Summary: Executive Orders Targeting Diversity Equity and Inclusion
This LawFlash Post from Morgan Lewis offers a brief summary of two Executive Orders and includes direct links to each one.

DHM: Let’s Talk About Terminology and the U.S. Immigration System
In this video Attorney Jonelle Ocloo (Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel) defines key phrases in the US Immigration system such as “refugee” and “asylee” and “immigrant.”

Immigration Hub: Immigration Messaging Center
Quick Takes on each Executive Order, Topline Take-Aways, Links to Resources

NYT: Trump Admin Ordered Federal Diversity Efforts to Shut Down by Wednesday Night

EarthWorks: What Do Trump’s Executive Orders Mean for Climate and Communities?

NBC5 Chicago: What is a DEI Program and What did Trump Change?

NPR: Trump is Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement (again)

Immigration Updates and Analysis

CNN: Judge blocks Trump’s ‘blatantly unconstitutional’ executive order that aims to end birthright citizenship

NYT: Justice Department Orders Investigations of Any Officials Who Refuse to Enforce Trump’s Immigration Policies

Immigration Hub: Trump’s Immigration Executive Orders – Mass Deportations, Making Children Second Class Citizens and Ending Asylum

Interfaith Immigration Coalition: Faith Communities Across Traditions Tell the Trump Administration to Follow God’s Directives to Welcome Immigrants

Sojourners: What Will We Risk to Defy Unjust Immigration Orders?

Human Rights First: Analysis of Trump’s Initial Immigration Executive Actions
Trump Executive Orders undermine our national security, tarnish our global reputation, and eliminate crucial protections and safe pathways for those fleeing persecution.

National Immigration Law Center: Analysis of Trump Day 1 Executive Orders
The second Trump administration began with a slew of executive orders designed to terrify and devastate immigrants, their families, and communities across the U.S.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Updates & Analysis

Washington Post: Layoffs Loom as Trump Admin Orders Leave for Federal DEI Workers

Democracy Now!: Trump’s Attack on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Provokes a Grassroots Backlash

Resources from the National Urban League:

Sojourners: God Desires Action, Not Just Awareness Months

Environmental Justice Updates & Analysis

ecoAmerica: New Administration’s Climate Agenda Defies Majority Consensus

Inside Climate News: Executive Orders on Energy and Climate Have Advocates Across the Nation on Edge

Vox: What did Trump Just Do to the Environment?

CBS News: What Trump’s Executive Orders Mean for the Fight Against Climate Change

Sojourners: The Future of Climate is Bleak, But Don’t Tune Out

A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace

Jan 15, 2025
This guide, developed in collaboration between the National Immigrant Law Center (NILC) and the National Employment Law Project (NELP), provides practical advice for addressing immigration-related actions in the workplace. It is available in multiple languages, including Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Thai.

A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace

by Brian Frederick-Gray

This guide, developed in collaboration between the National Immigrant Law Center (NILC) and the National Employment Law Project (NELP), provides practical advice for addressing immigration-related actions in the workplace. It is available in multiple languages, including Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Thai.

Weightlifters

Jan 2, 2025
This season in our churches, homes, and schools feels heavy, but our collective capacity to strengthen one another and our communities is great. We are an extension of our magnificent Creator--one who emboldens, loves, and heals us toward a world that is unlike empire. The Realm of God moves by the Spirit in all living things, cultivating justice and harmony one precious load of anointing at a time. It is imperative we lift up and carry the power of the Holy Spirit in refreshing ways. Our legions of lay leaders fortify the church for every season, especially those seasons that dare us to follow Jesus. “Weightlifters” provides you with enough development materials for monthly laity training over the next year. Let us lean into intentional conditioning and be well!

Weightlifters

by Brian Frederick-Gray

2025 Laity Readiness Resource

This season in our churches, homes, and schools feels heavy, but our collective capacity to strengthen one another and our communities is great. We are an extension of our magnificent Creator–one who emboldens, loves, and heals us toward a world that is unlike empire. The Realm of God moves by the Spirit in all living things, cultivating justice and harmony one precious load of anointing at a time.

It is imperative we lift up and carry the power of the Holy Spirit in refreshing ways. Our legions of lay leaders fortify the church for every season, especially those seasons that dare us to follow Jesus. “Weightlifters” provides you with enough development materials for monthly laity training over the next year. Let us lean into intentional conditioning and be well!

Rev. Monique Crain Spells
Vice President for Mission, Advocacy, & Programs

WHAT’S INSIDE?

  • Laity Sunday Litany
  • (7 ) Trainings Videos
  • (3) Downloadable Workshops
  • (1) Youth Study
  • (1) Men’s Study

Immigration Resource List (January 2025)

Jan 2, 2025
All people in the United States have certain rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of immigration status. The curated resources listed below can help you and your community stay informed, prepared, and united in support of immigrant neighbors.Please Note: This information is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer.

Immigration Resource List (January 2025)

by Brian Frederick-Gray

All people in the United States have certain rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of immigration status. The curated resources listed below can help you and your community stay informed, prepared, and united in support of immigrant neighbors.Please Note: This information is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer.

Explainers and Fact Sheets:

“Know Your Rights” Resources:

The Red Card

This guide produced by the Immigration Legal Resource Center provides basic information about important practices to remember during encounters with law or immigration enforcement. You can print the Red Card which can be handed to an officer asserting your rights. 

The Red Card available in: Arabic | Chinese | English | Farsi | French | Haitian Creole | Hmong | Korean | Pashto | Punjabi | Russian | Spanish | Tagalog | Tigrinya | Ukrainian | Vietnamese |

How to use your Red Card: Illustrated & Multilingual Guide Book

The “We Have Rights” Video Series

These know your rights tutorial videos are available in seven languages to help prepare viewers for encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
English | Spanish | Arabic | Mandarin | Haitian Creole | Russian | Urdu

CLINIC’s Downloadable Know Your Rights Guide

English | Spanish | Arabic | Chinese | Hattian Creole | Farsi | Korean | Russian | Vietnamese

How to Avoid Fraud when dealing with Immigration System

National Immigrant Justice Center: Know Your Rights to Avoid Fraud
English | Spanish

Know Your Rights: Resource Libraries

General Information

What to do if ICE Comes to Your Door: 

Informed Immigrant: 
If ICE comes to your door (English)  
If ICE comes to your workplace (English)

American Civil Liberties Union: 
English | Spanish | Urdu | Arabic | Haitian Creole | Russian | Mandarin

What to do if ICE questions, detains, or arrests you as a U.S. Citizen?
iAmerica: ICE interactions with U.S. citizens (English)

What to do in an Immigration Raid:

Informed Immigrant: 
How to Prepare For Immigration Raids (English)

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.: 
Rapid Response Toolkit to Help Advocates Prepare Their Communities For ICE Raids And Detentions

Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition:
A Toolkit for Organizations Responding to Mass Worksite Immigration Raids

Creating a Family Preparedness Plan:

A Family Preparedness Plan is a comprehensive plan in case of immigration emergencies, regardless of immigration status. Many organizations provide guides. 

Immigrant Legal Resources Center’s Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan:
English | Spanish | Chinese

Informed Immigrant: Making a Family Preparedness Plan (English)

Immigrant Rights Action: Family Preparedness Plan (English)

We Have Rights: Downloadable Emergency Plan Form:
English | Spanish | Haitian Creole

Deportation Defense:

Deportation Defense can include community-led campaigns to stop the deportation of community members using legal interventions and community advocacy to highlight that community member’s contributions to society. 

Make the Road New York’s Deportation Defense Manual:
English | Spanish

Find Legal Help:

Visit www.disciplesimmigration.org to connect with the Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel

Visit www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory to connect with the National Immigration Legal Services Directory

Go to www.ailalawyer.org to connect with a lawyer in your area

Find Mental Health Help:

Trauma Informed care for immigrants and asylum seekers:
Healing Horizons

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) 
Helpline: 800-950-NAMI (6264)
Email: info@nami.org 
Website: https://www.nami.org/

Building Vibrant, Faithful Conversations about Justice

Jan 2, 2025
Justice and Advocacy Ministries presents this four-part, guided workshop to help you build vibrant, faithful conversations about justice in your church and community.

Building Vibrant, Faithful Conversations about Justice

by Brian Frederick-Gray

This Toolkit for Congregations includes;

  1. Conversation Covenants
    Group Guidelines for Faithful Conversations
  2. Naming and Addressing Injustice
    A simple, 4-step Guide to Identifying Justice Issues
  3. Peace and Justice Playlists
    Building a Spiritual Resource for Any Topic
  4. Describing and Defining and Justice
    A Modern Twist on a Classic Spiritual Disciplines

A Playlist on Voter Suppression

Oct 23, 2024
A Playlist is a way of engaging with an idea or topic. They can be used as small group discussion starters, for personal devotions, or as a place to jump into a subject. On the subject of Countering Voter Suppression, this downloadable PDF contains: Something to Break the Ice, Something to Watch, Something to Read, Something to Do, Something to Pray

A Playlist on Voter Suppression

by Brian Frederick-Gray

A Playlist is a way of engaging with an idea or topic. They can be used as small group discussion starters, for personal devotions, or as a place to jump into a subject.

On the subject of Countering Voter Suppression, here is:

  • Something to Break the Ice
  • Something to Watch
  • Something to Read
  • Something to Do
  • Something to Pray

Please click Download to launch the PDF with the links and full descriptions.

Allied Against Hate — A Toolkit for Congregations

Sep 3, 2023
“Allied Against Hate: A Toolkit for Faith Communities” has been distributed by The White House Office of Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnership. Included in the 20-page document are proactive steps anyone can take to combat hate by building relationships across faiths.

Allied Against Hate — A Toolkit for Congregations

by Brian Frederick-Gray

“Allied Against Hate: A Toolkit for Faith Communities” has been distributed by The White House Office of Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnership. Included in the 20-page document are proactive steps anyone can take to combat hate by building relationships across faiths.

Week of Laity 2023: The Call to Serve

Jan 1, 2023
We will celebrate with you the love and strength of laity across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) January 15-21, 2023. Laity Sunday is a special time when the church pauses to consider lay leaders’ varied gifts for ministry to church and community.

Week of Laity 2023: The Call to Serve

by Brian Frederick-Gray

We will celebrate with you the love and strength of laity across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) January 15-21, 2023. Laity Sunday is a special time when the church pauses to consider lay leaders’ varied gifts for ministry to church and community.

As you start the new year, we hope you find this Week of Laity Resource inspiring and helpful. May you carry the gospel like Mary and rejoice in its holy manifestations, in this and all seasons!

2022 VBS Resource: Forward Toward Freedom

Jun 1, 2022
Taking inspiration from acclaimed book, The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones, “Forward Toward Freedom” offers historical accounts of black experiences in America alongside biblical stories that help illustrate consideration of the following themes: freedom of culture, freedom of body, freedom of mind.

2022 VBS Resource: Forward Toward Freedom

by Brian Frederick-Gray

Vacation Bible Study Resource: Three Days, Three Ways

The Office of Christian Education has designed a three-day summer resource with Luis Gierbolini, Chesla Nickelson, Olivia Updegrove and Monique Crain Spells.

Taking inspiration from acclaimed book, The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones, “Forward Toward Freedom” offers historical accounts of black experiences in America alongside biblical stories that help illustrate consideration of the following themes: freedom of culture, freedom of body, freedom of mind. Each day in the curriculum offers activities to support learning.

You may engage all the lessons or just one at a time over the summer. Download and share “Forward Toward Freedom!”

Recalling Our Roots

Feb 1, 2022
The history of African Americans is weaved into the tapestry of America. African American History has impacted history of our church, community and world. We give special attention to the lives of African American Disciples who have committed their life and ministry to be a blessing to the entire Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Recalling Our Roots

by Brian Frederick-Gray

African American History Month

The history of African Americans is weaved into the tapestry of America.

African American History has impacted history of our church, community and world. We give special attention to the lives of African American Disciples who have committed their life and ministry to be a blessing to the entire Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Join us in celebrating Black Disciples History now and always!

The Jesus Way

Jan 1, 2022
The Jesus Way ministry is built on several core beliefs: 1) Each man is uniquely gifted by God; 2) God established relational principles and priorities foundational to the life God wills for each individual; 3) Each man is the center of his own “realm of influence.” Within this realm, he influences the lives of those around him. His influence can build up or tear down those within his realm; 4) As one who has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, each man holds citizenship in the realm of God; 5) Jesus shows us the way to live into those relational principles and priorities that build up rather than tear down as citizens in the realm of God.

The Jesus Way

by Brian Frederick-Gray

A New Men’s Ministry for the men in your congregation

Welcome to The Jesus Way!

This ministry is built on several core beliefs.

  1. Each man is uniquely gifted by God.
  2. God established relational principles and priorities foundational to the life God wills for each individual.
  3. Each man is the center of his own “realm of influence.” Within this realm, he influences the lives of those around him. His influence can build up or tear down those within his realm.
  4. As one who has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, each man holds citizenship in the realm of God.
  5. Jesus shows us the way to live into those relational principles and priorities that build up rather than tear down as citizens in the realm of God.

This journey will enrich each man’s life and the lives of those around him. Each man will (re)discover God’s unique purpose for his life and what active citizenship in the realm of God can mean for his life.

Unforeseen Glory: A Journey with Simon of Cyrene

Jan 1, 2022
As you start the year, these resources will aid you in doing so thoughtfully. Simon of Cyrene was a North African man we find supporting the enfleshed church in Matthew 27, Mark 15, and Luke 23.

Unforeseen Glory: A Journey with Simon of Cyrene

by Brian Frederick-Gray

Week of the Laity downloadable resource. We celebrate the love and strength of laity across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It is our hope you will gather in safe ways to affirm lay leaders and edify their ministry in the world. As you start the year, these resources will aid you in doing so thoughtfully. Simon of Cyrene was a North African man we find supporting the enfleshed church in Matthew 27, Mark 15, and Luke 23. We only know him because of what he did for another. Let’s journey with Simon together!

Created to Be a Steward

Jan 1, 2021
Created To Be a Steward is a 12 month stewardship emphasis for congregations that seeks to explore four major themes of biblical stewardship: Self-Care (January – March); Earth Care (April – June); Resource Management (July – September); Gospel Sharing [Evangelism] (October – December). It is a dynamic resource, with fresh installments made each quarter as the year progresses. It includes most elements of an annual financial stewardship campaign along with commitment elements that focus on other aspects of stewardship. The intention is to keep the stewardship conversation alive throughout the year by providing preaching, teaching, and personal practice resources.

Created to Be a Steward

by Brian Frederick-Gray

Created To Be a Steward is a 12 month stewardship emphasis for congregations that seeks to explore four major themes of biblical stewardship: Self-Care (January – March); Earth Care (April – June); Resource Management (July – September); Gospel Sharing [Evangelism] (October – December). It is a dynamic resource, with fresh installments made each quarter as the year progresses. It includes most elements of an annual financial stewardship campaign along with commitment elements that focus on other aspects of stewardship. The intention is to keep the stewardship conversation alive throughout the year by providing preaching, teaching, and personal practice resources.

2020 Advocacy Toolkit

Aug 1, 2020
A comprehensive guide on effective advocacy strategies developed in 2020 by the Disciples Justice Ministries cohort group.

2020 Advocacy Toolkit

by Brian Frederick-Gray

A comprehensive guide on effective advocacy strategies developed in 2020 by the Disciples Justice Ministries cohort group.