In light of the federal and state immigration policy actions, we find ourselves asking really hard questions about what it means for churches to love our immigrant neighbors at such a time as this. How do we navigate being part of a movement called to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, and love our neighbors as we love ourselves?

With the new executive orders and the new legislation passed in Tennessee, there are some important things to keep before us. We first of all must recognize that this affects all of us in the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church, for we are one body with many members. Our members are diverse in multiple ways from age, ethnicity, education, health, gender, etc. As the body of Christ, we recognize one another as beloved children of God, created in the image of God.

It is important that we, by our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness support those of our members that are directly affected by this shift in attitude toward our immigrant communities. We are called to be present alongside our neighbors, with compassion for anyone who is feeling unwelcome and afraid. Our voices are needed to advocate for more just practices. It is important that we stay as informed as possible to know how to prepare, how to prepare others, and how to respond if ICE is at our church doors or in our neighborhoods.