The Free Methodist Church USA is taking a stand for love-driven justice in the wake of immigration enforcement activities such as targeting churches and separating families. As our founders acted with deep conviction against injustice, slavery, and exploitation of people in poverty, we continue our longtime commitment to the dignity and worth of all people.
In a reflection of the values that shape who we are as Free Methodists, the Board of Administration and the Board of Bishops said during a July 9 meeting that they are deeply troubled by the reports from around the denomination of the hardships being experienced by our FMCUSA churches and people due to the manner in which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is conducting its operations. The bishops shared a plan to write letters to the president and Congress regarding the challenges the current policy is creating for our houses of worship and also the harsh treatment of immigrants in ICE actions. Most importantly, they are calling the church to pray earnestly for the situation to improve.
The Board of Administration (BOA) adopted a motion to express appreciation for the work of the bishops and give full support to them as they lead the church spiritually and in every regard through this complex situation with immigration. BOA members also adopted a motion that their chair and vice chair craft a letter on behalf of the BOA stating support of the Board of Bishops, our denomination’s immigration statements, and the activity and action of the bishops.
The BOA tasked FMCUSA Chief Operating Officer Michael Forney to work with a BOA task force to bring further recommendations for actionable steps to respond tangibly.
At least 10% of Free Methodist congregations in the United States are directly impacted by shifting federal immigration policies and increased ICE actions. Many local churches report members being taken into custody or deported as new policies allow federal agents to arrest people regardless of criminal record or immigration status. New enforcement activities include sending agents to houses of worship, and many of our local churches have reported dramatic drops in attendance and giving as members are afraid to leave their homes to gather for worship. Several churches have closed as a result.
ICE actions have included arresting and detaining immigrants — including Christians fleeing persecution for their faith — who are in the United States legally with pending asylum cases. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently has taken actions to terminate temporary protected status (TPS) for immigrants from Haiti, Nepal, Honduras, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
Our denomination’s Book of Discipline states that Free Methodists “minister to all immigrants and refugees” based on the conviction and commitment “to the biblical principle of caring for the foreigners among us regardless of racial or ethnic background, country of origin, or legal status” while “seeking to reach the lost whoever they may be, ministering to all, caring for all, and showing God’s grace to all people” (¶3221).
While opposing the unjust treatment of immigrants, the BOA decided not to pursue litigation at this time, but members did not rule it out as a future option.
Denominational leaders continue to advocate directly for our Free Methodist values and commitment “to respect the worth of all persons as created in the image of God” (¶3220) as well as advocating for conferences, churches, the denomination as a whole, and Free Methodists everywhere to act in accordance with our values. More information will be available in the days and weeks to come about how you can take action in the direction of the dignity and worth of all persons. Add a call prayer
