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When fear knocks, the church answers

What happens when immigration enforcement reshapes daily life — not in theory, but on the streets, in schools and inside churches?

This 12-minute documentary captures the lived reality of United Methodist congregations in Chicago navigating fear, loss and uncertainty amid increased activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  

Pastors, lay leaders and families share stories of a church that adapts, protects and shows up. From food pantries emptying out because of fear, to pastors praying at sites of tragedy, to churches becoming sanctuaries of hope — this is what discipleship looks like on the ground.

Told in both English and Spanish, the story reveals the human cost behind policies, the quiet courage of communities living under pressure, and the faith that moves beyond preaching into presence.

A four-story series also documents El Plan for Hispanic/Latine Ministry’s visits to congregations in the Chicago area.

Read series in Spanish (click Translate Page in the top right corner to read in other languages).

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Mission and Ministry
Holly Petti and her dog Paisley chat with people entering the Sanctuary at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark. The church has a designated dog greeter every Sunday in addition to numerous pet outreach ministries the congregation offers. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Dog church welcomes people and pets

A United Methodist church in Little Rock celebrates Earth Day by recognizing God’s care for his people and the pets they love.
General Conference
The skyline of Minneapolis, which is scheduled to host the 2028 General Conference. The Commission on the General Conference, meeting online April 17-18, voted to shorten General Conference to May 8-16, 2028. The group is also taking steps to protect delegates amid heightened immigration enforcement. Photo by Lane Pelovsky, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis.

Planners shorten GC2028, discuss Minneapolis

Organizers are pressing forward with holding the 2028 United Methodist General Conference over eight days in Minneapolis. The group is also taking steps to protect delegates amid heightened immigration enforcement.
Social Concerns
Deborah Bass opens the 59th General Meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal in Charlotte, N.C., on March 18, with her national chairperson’s address. She urged members of the caucus to fight injustice with faith, compassion and courage. Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News.

Black caucus wrestles with immigration injustice

The leader of Black Methodists for Church Renewal urged members gathered for the United Methodist group’s annual meeting to respond to current challenges in the church and society with “faith, compassion, justice and prophetic courage.”

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