Recently two different Disciples congregations in Mid-America hosted discussions about their local immigrant communities and how they can support them. Union Avenue Christian Church in St. Louis and South Street Christian Church in Springfield are both striving toward more wholeness in this fragmented world.
Thanks to Rev. Dr. Jacque Foster, Chair of Outreach & Justice Ministry at Union Avenue CC, for this summary of their event.
About 100 people from nine congregations, including five Disciples of Christ churches in the St. Louis area, gathered on March 30th at Union Avenue Christian Church for a justice conversation on the challenges faced by immigrants in our area at this time. Our goal was to bring faith communities together to discern the best ways to accompany immigrant families who are frightened at this time. We heard from school personnel, advocates, and agencies who are working with immigrants and migrants about providing care and support. One fact that was shared is that undocumented immigrants are not overwhelming the state. According to the Attorney General of Missouri there are 100,000 undocumented people in our state of over 6 million. That figure does not match with the 56,900 listed by the American Immigration Council, which is less than 1% of the total population. Even if the Attorney General's number was correct, that would be roughly 2% of the population. And the gospel and our Disciples mission statement calls us to love and serve each and every one of them.
The group created a list of possible actions that can be taken by individuals and congregations. We have followed up with each participant and group represented to make sure that each has the resources to move forward. Actions can range from advocacy, to education on rights and processes, to accompaniment, to volunteering to help families, to working hotlines, to donating needed household items, and much more. Congregations are encouraged to invite leaders from MICA Project, the Peace and Justice Office of the St. Louis Archdiocese, the Ashrei Foundation, Monarch or others to help inform us so that we can serve God's people who are immigrants at this time. Our community is rich with strong small agencies doing this work, who need volunteers and financial support in this critical time. We intend to stay in touch with congregations who participated so that we may work well individually and together.
On April 5, South Street Christian Church in Springfield hosted “Standing with Our Neighbors: Welcoming Refugees!” which drew a crowd of about 300 people, including Springfield’s mayor and leaders/members of several faith communities. The event was co-sponsored by the International Institute of Southwest Missouri, Missouri Faith Voices, and the NAACP’s Springfield Branch, and was covered by the Springfield Daily Citizen. Read their whole story here>