October 13, 2006
By Linda Bloom

STAMFORD, Conn. – Concerned about proposed changes to U.S. immigration law, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is repeating its call for just immigration policies.

The action took place during the mission agency's Oct. 9-12 annual meeting in Stamford.

The Board of Global Ministries, which both funds and supports programs assisting immigrants and undocumented workers, also wants the denomination as a whole to educate itself about undocumented workers "and how the church is and can continue responding to the economic, social, political, legal and spiritual challenges they encounter," the agency's directors said. Last April, the board's directors asked Congress "to refrain from passing laws relating to immigration that would divide families, make felons out of millions of workers now in the U.S. who are without green cards or visas, encourage mistreatment of immigrants or criminalize the efforts of the Christian church, other faith traditions and social service organizations to help people in need, regardless of their citizenship status."

The renewed call, initiated by the board's Hispanic/Latino Ministries Task Force, asks the Bush administration and Congress to pass legislation that does not violate those principles. United Methodists are asked to write state and federal government officials to encourage the revision of immigration laws "which negatively impact individuals, families and entire communities."

Board directors also support the demilitarization of the U.S.-Mexico border. "In particular, we oppose the construction of further walls and other obstacles on the border that endanger lives of immigrants," they stated.

400 new congregations

In other business, the Rev. R. Randy Day, the board's chief executive, reminded directors of the pivotal role that local congregations play in determining the future health of the church and the central role that mission plays in congregational development.

Day said he is confident of the denomination's vitality for several mission-related reasons. Since 1990, the mission agency has developed 400 new congregations through 11 mission initiatives in parts of Asia, Africa, the northern tier of Eastern Europe and Honduras. New work also has started in the southern region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Work in Thailand will begin soon. In the United States, ethnic and language ministries include a focus on new congregational development and church revitalization. "We are seeing new congregations among Native Americans and groups of Vietnamese, Chinese, Tongan, Samoan, Filipino, Hmong, Korea, Brazilian, and others of Hispanic and African backgrounds," Day noted. "We also are working in the area of African-American church growth and development."

Better financial outlook

Board directors also:

• Heard from Roland Fernandes, the board treasurer, that the deficit, or gap between operating expenses and operating revenues, for 2005 was $1.5 million, the lowest level in eight years. He expects the improved financial picture to continue for 2006.

• Approved a $75,000 grant for a series of Muslim-Christian gatherings on peace-building in West Africa, the Philippines, Europe and the United States.

• Agreed to continue the board's emphasis on global health, including a focus on malaria and HIV/AIDS, with a $50,000 grant for projects in various African countries.

• Commissioned 14 new missionaries and honored 14 retiring ones.

• Participated in Native American-inspired worship services and Bible study led by Ray Buckley, director of connectional ministries and Native discipleship for the Alaska Missionary Conference.

United Methodist News Service
Linda Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in New York.