TODAY IN MISSION YEARBOOK
Mission Yearbook: Minute for Mission: Immigration Sunday
For your steadfast love is higher than the heavens, and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. (Psalm 108:4)
This moment in the United States is one marked by division. For immigrant communities, the moment is marked by threats, fear and repression of rights. We witness arrests at courthouses as immigrants comply with the legal requirements for their cases. Arrests, detention and deportations separate families. We lament the impact of fear-based tactics on church communities, as many immigrant members live in fear. Division and trauma disrupt all facets of life.
As communities stand up peacefully to government overreach in immigration enforcement, we witness the erosion and repression of fundamental rights and values. Religious liberties and the right to public witness have been key values in the country. The Presbyterian Church has centuries of social witness policy that urges members to partake in public witness activities participating in God’s mercy, love and peace. The church also has a history of advocating just immigration laws and demanding the change of structures that cause harm on approach to practicing faith. The Scripture urges believers to awake to the goodness God promises. This steadfast love extends beyond human imagination and understanding. It is offered to all nations, to all people.
May we endeavor to be awake to this kind of love by finding ways to bring communities together, seeking protection and peace. Joining others to pursue ways to protect immigrant communities and ensure rights are examples of being awake to God’s presence and faithfulness. Support immigrant communities by connecting with immigrant rights groups in your area as they mobilize.
Amanda Craft, Manager of Immigration Advocacy, PC(USA)
Let us join in prayer for:
Alicia Samuels, Vice President of eCommerce & Marketing & Flyaway Books Editorial, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
Elizabeth Sanders, Customer Service Representative, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
Let us pray:
Faithful God, give us courage to seek your love. Give us courage to join our voice with others. May we remember what is lost when we do not. Protect those who urgently need your refuge and care. Amen.