Immigration

Asylum-seekers from Lebanon are greeted by Federica Brizi and Francesco Piobbichi of the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy (center) upon their arrival in Rome in August 2017. The group obtained legal visas through the Humanitarian Corridors program of the federation, the Synod of Waldensian and Methodist Churches and the Community of Sant’Egidio, run by Mediterranean Hope. Photo courtesy of Mediterranean Hope.

Small churches play big role for refugees in Italy

Italian religious groups, including Methodists, have created a legal, safe pathway for Syrians and other vulnerable asylum seekers to resettle in Italy and the work is expanding.

Social Concerns

United Methodist deaconess Cindy Johnson (right) walks to buy medicine with Isabél who traveled with her daughter from Nicaragua to Matamoros, Mexico, hoping to request asylum in the U.S. Kassandra, 16 months, was suffering from fever and weight loss while she and her mother waited for their turn to approach the bridge leading to Brownsville, Texas. Johnson, who makes regular visits to the makeshift camp, brought members of the United Methodist Immigration Task Force for a firsthand look at the immigration situation. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

United Methodists respond to migrants at the border

The United Methodist Immigration Task Force saw United Methodists in action caring for migrants from around the world seeking asylum at border towns in Texas.

Social Concerns

Ramiro Ramírez rings the bell at Jackson Chapel United Methodist Church in San Juan, Texas. Ramírez’ family donated land for the church, which was established in 1874. President Trump’s proposed border wall is slated to run through the church property, including its historic cemetery. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

Border wall would cut off historic church

The first Spanish-speaking Methodist church and two historic cemeteries would be disrupted by President Trump’s proposed border wall.

Immigration

Maria Chavalan Sut is living at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, Va., to avoid being deported to Guatemala. Photo by Richard Lord, UMNS.

Prayer at Virginia legislature written by woman in sanctuary

Guatemalan woman takes refuge in Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia.

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