ministries
Immigration Resources for Clergy and Laity
When immigration enforcement impacts your church or community, knowing how to respond with wisdom, compassion, and legal awareness is essential. This following tools will help equip you and your church with guidnace to stand with immigrants during times of fear and uncertainty.
If you are looking for additional resources or have a specific ministry or mission concern regarding immigration, please contact Kristina Clark at kristinaclark@unyumc.org.
Birthright Citizenship Webinar Recording
Nearly 1,000 people joined a July 17 webinar hosted by United Methodist (UM) agencies, United Methodist Council of Bishops, and partner organizations following the recent Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship. “Immigration is not just a political issue. It is a theological one,” said the Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo, General Secretary of the Commission on Religion and Race. UM attorneys provided updates on citizenship, travel bans, and immigration enforcement. Click here to watch the recording and view resources.
Called to Journey, Called to Welcome invites readers to see migration through the eyes of faith. This thought-provoking study challenges you to recognize God's call to hospitality, embrace the divine promise of blessing across borders, and boldly practice a sacred welcome.
Through rich biblical insights and practical reflection, this resource will inspire individuals and faith communities alike to reimagine what it means to be both journeyers and welcomers in a world on the move. Click here to download this resource.
On Thursday, January 30, 2025, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez sent a note to all Upper New York clergy on the growing uncertainty and fear among migrants, immigrants, refugees, and BIPOC people in our communities. Click here to read the letter in English and Spanish.
Click the following links for a full checklist and next steps for church preparations in our Faithful Preparedness: Equipping Churches for Witness with Undocumented Persons.
Click the links below for "Know Your Rights" poster resources, available in both English and Spanish.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this document included a political reference that did not reflect our intention to remain nonpartisan. This has been removed for clarity.
- Click here for an English version.
- Click here for a Spanish version.
Know before you travel
Travelers to the U.S.—including visitors, U.S. visa holders, and lawful permanent residents—should be prepared for heightened screening at airports and ports of entry. A guide has been prepared to offer general information and outlines key considerations to keep in mind before arrival. Click here to learn more.
Click the following links for English and Spanish resources from Immigration Law & Justice Network, an immigration ministry of The UMC. The following documents include important information on what to know, knowing your rights, what to do if stopped on the street, in your car, and if ICE comes to your home, rights during travel, how to document an ICE visit, and more.
CCORR weekly prayer sessions
The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) seeks to offer inspiration, a listening ear, and the opportunity to come together in prayer on a regular basis. Join members of CCORR on Zoom for 15-minute sessions that offer a short prepared meditation. Learn more here.
United Methodists of Upper New York join lawsuit against Trump policy
United Methodists of Upper New York, through the New York State Council of Churches (NYSCOC), have joined a federal lawsuit challenging a new federal policy allowing ICE raids in houses of worship. The suit argues this violates religious freedom and disrupts the gospel mission to support migrants. Click here to learn more.
Intercultural competence awareness for engaging with immigrants
Encourage compassionate and respectful engagement with immigrants by fostering intercultural competence rooted in faith. GCORR offers practical guidance on cultural humility, active listening, and avoiding assumptions to help UMC members build meaningful, inclusive relationships that honor the dignity and unique contributions of immigrants in church and community life. Download this resource here.
Digital Safety Toolkit
The Digital Safety toolkit highlights the extensive digital surveillance practices used by DHS, ICE, and CBP—including the use of biometric data, social media tracking, and third-party data collection. It provides immigrants and service providers with practical steps to reduce digital vulnerabilities, such as minimizing online activity, using encrypted communication tools like Signal and ProtonMail, turning off location services, and avoiding data-sharing platforms like Google and Facebook. The focus is on reducing exposure and protecting personal and community privacy in the face of persistent surveillance. Click here to view the toolkit.
Resilience & Community Care Toolkit
The UndocuHealth Program Resilience and Community Care Toolkit is created to support you in your role as an immigrant justice organizer and leader. It offers a collection of community-based healing and wellness resources, with the goal of helping you integrate these practices into your daily organizing work and share them with others in your community. Download here.
Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan
Every family should be prepared for emergencies, and it's equally important for immigrant families to make specific plans for potential immigration-related situations. This toolkit offers detailed guidance on available childcare options if a parent is absent, how to locate trusted immigration support in your community, and steps to prepare for encounters with immigration officers while protecting your rights. Get your Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan here.
Preparation and Rapid Response Resources for Immigrants and Community Allies
This document includes links to information and resources designed to help individuals, families, and communities prepare for rapid responses to anticipated changes and challenges in U.S. immigration law and policy in 2025. Click here to learn more.