Immigration Ministries


Immigrant Ministries

From the beginning of time, the movement of people from one place to another has been a major factor in the development of cultures, promulgation of ideas, and search for freedom. Abraham’s journey from Chaldea to a “promised land,” the Israelite journey through Sinai back to Canaan, the movement of groups searching for religious freedom in Europe and the New World after the Protestant Reformation, the Cambodian Boat People, the desperate attempt of refugees to escape war-torn countries and subsidence living in poverty-stricken areas of oppression, drought, or disaster—these are only a few examples of the worldwide movement of people that has formed our present nations and continues to impact our global society.
 
History is full of heartwarming stories of those who have found refuge in a strange land, and blossomed under the hospitality of residents who welcomed them. But there are also poignant and heart-wrenching stories of rejection and exclusion. Some of those stories are happening around the world today, in countries where immigrants are denied worth, civil liberties and residence. The purpose of this webpage is to share information with our congregations and members concerning immigration issues around the world, through stories of immigrants and the response of Community of Christ members and congregations in upholding the worth of persons and the grace of God extended to each person.