At General Assembly 2025 in Memphis Disciples passed GA-2570 “RESPONDING TO THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S ATTACK ON IMMIGRANTS, MIGRANTS, AND REFUGEES.”
This emergency resolution denounces the United States federal government’s mass detention and deportation campaign, as well as the egregious human rights violations being committed against those who are being detained and deported. It also denounces the government’s disregard of the civil and human rights of immigrants, migrants, and refugees, as demonstrated through the current Administration’s attacks on humanitarian protection and due process, ongoing funding freezes, and the infringement on the religious rights of houses of worship to welcome and provide charity services to all people, regardless of their citizenship status. It calls on all settings of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, including General Ministries, Regions, and local congregations to provide additional support for Immigrant Welcoming and sanctuary congregations, and calls for prophetic action in solidarity with immigrants, migrants, and refugees in light of the current increase in anti-immigrant policies being implemented by the United States federal government.
You can read the full text of the Emergency Resolution here.
Disciples Home Missions, Week of Compassion, and Obra Hispana collaborated on a “Stand in the Gap” Vigil at General Assembly 2025 where Disciples processed to the Immigration Courthouse in Memphis (hidden in plain sight, mere blocks away from the Convention Center). In front of the building that houses the Immigration Court we held a Prayer Vigil that included scripture readings, testimonials, and an invitation to bring this work back home with us to our local communities. Using silhouette cutouts to represent the siblings in the Christ who could not gather in that space (because they have been deported, detained, or forced into the shadows) we embodied our faith in front of the Immigration Court.
In an effort to help folks bring this kind of witness back home with them, the event organizers are sharing:
- The Full Script from the Prayer Vigil
- Next Steps: Solidarity with Immigrants Beyond General Assembly
- Contact information for DHM, WoC, and Obra
- Additional, anonymized testimonials from the Prayer Vigil
Please feel free to use these materials, adapt them to your setting, or create materials that work best for your context.
