 General Assembly is a time when Disciples are able to come together as one body in worship and fellowship with one another. In Memphis there were moments of connection and joy, but the body of Christ was fractured by immigration policy that does not uphold the dignity of all. In a time when our immigrant siblings are under attack and cannot move freely to assemble, Disciples responded with a “Stand in the Gap”prayer vigil outside of the Memphis Immigration Court, sharing stories of those who were unable to join us and remembering that when one part of the body suffers, all parts suffer together.
Week of Compassion, Obra Hispana, and Disciples Home Mission, partnering with Repairers of the Breach, were able to bear witness to injustice while providing meaningful pastoral support to immigrants on their way to their appointments, some of whom stopped to pray with the vigil before walking into court, where immigrants are increasingly at risk of being arrested while just trying to follow the law. Disciples who want to take the vigil home with them have many options for getting involved. You can utilize this toolkit to plan your own vigil in your community. You can also join the Week of Compassion monthly call for people doing immigration and refugee ministries, a space to share resources, seek feedback, and join in fellowship with Disciples across the country working to “Stand in the Gap” with our immigrant siblings at this time. In August, we are adding a second option to provide more flexibility – join the 4th Thursday of the month at 3:00pm OR 7:00pm Eastern time. Email Grace Kozak, Associate Director for Immigrant and Refugee Response, to learn more and get the link to register. AND – COMING SOON! Sign up for the new bi-monthly Week of Compassion newsletter, No Longer Strangers, for resources, stories, and updates on the ways Disciples are moving in solidarity with immigrants and refugees. Comments are closed.
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