United Methodists travel to learn, listen, and lead in Immigration Ministry

By Kristina Clark and Georgia Whitney

Since January 2025, The United Methodist Church and the Upper New York Conference have become increasingly aware of the growing fear and uncertainty facing migrants, immigrants, refugees, and BIPOC individuals in our communities. Government policies have led to the separation of families, the detention of individuals, racial profiling, and the erosion of human dignity.

In a letter written that month, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez reminded us: “God’s call to justice and compassion remains in the face of hardship. The scriptures remind us repeatedly that we are to extend radical hospitality to all peoples, for we, too, have been (or could be) strangers in a foreign land” (Leviticus 19:34).

In response, the Upper New York Conference is taking faithful action, building upon our long-standing commitment to equity and inclusion. We are equipping church leaders with the relationships, tools, and spiritual grounding needed to stand alongside immigrant siblings and reflect God’s love through action in their local ministries and communities.