Immigrant and Refugee Response
photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance
For more information, contact Rev. Grace Kozak, Associate Director for Immigrant & Refugee Response.
RESOURCESHelpful resources for churches and communities caring for immigrant and refugee neighbors amid shifting policies.
TOOLKITS
Operation Cacti is an educational and biblical resource designed for families, pastors, and churches directly affected by current immigration policies, and for those who seek to be in solidarity with them.
Your congregation can take steps to increase your security and have a plan in place should law enforcement come to your place of worship. The Congregational Safety Planning guide created by Disciples Immigration Attorney Jonelle Ocloo is available in English and in Spanish.
Justice & Advocacy Ministries of Disciples Home Missions maintains this Refugee and Immigration Ministry Tools page for congregational use, containing articles, explainers, videos, and action alerts.
During General Assembly 2025, Disciples participated in a 'Stand in the Gap' prayer vigil, lifting up the stories and standing in support for the safety and dignity of immigrants. Use this tookit in your community.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Every one, at every time, has certain basic rights.
Week of Compassion has created training for churches to make and pratice a safety plan on What to do if ICE comes to your church. The videos are available upon request, along with a sample policy for interaction with these authorities.
Obra Hispana, Week of Compassion, & Disciples Immigration Attorney Jonelle Ocloo have prepared bilingual one-page resources. Both are available as standard 8.5x11 page and 11x17 poster size:
- Conozca Sus Derechos (Know Your Rights) - 11x17 - Recursos de Inmigración (Immigration Resources) - 11x17
DISCIPLES JUSTICE MINISTRIES
IMMIGRATION WEBINAR videos available for congregational use featuring Disciples Immigration Attorney Jonelle Ocloo, Esq.
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RESPONSESAs the needs of immigrant & refugee response evolve,
Week of Compassion continues to respond with welcome. WHERE DO WE START?
Refugee response is stronger when communities are prepared to serve before a crisis arises. Week of Compassion offers support, resources, and connections, and helps communities stay ready to welcome.
This equity grant supports congregations in the Disciples ethnic ministries and churches led by a person of color that engage in immigrant and refugee response. It offers the church's support for congregations working to meet the unique needs of immigrants and refugees, especially in ways that empower churches and leaders from Convocation, Obra Hispana, and NAPAD.
A refugee is someone who flees home and country owing to ‘a well-founded fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion’. The United Nations marks WORLD REFUGEE DAY (June 20) to honor refugees worldwide, to build empathy and understanding for their plight, and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives. Resources are available to mark World Refugee Day with your congregation.
Responding in AFGHANISTAN
In fall 2021 the Afghan government collapsed and families were rapidly evacuated. Week of Compassion reaffirmed refugee response as an ongoing priority and increased resources to support Disciples congregations. Dozens of churches helped Afghan families establish a new life in deeply stressful times. Women and girls remain especially vulnerable in Afghanistan and Pakistan (where many have fled), and Week of Comapssion supports local partners caring for this community.
Responding in UKRAINE
A variety of care and response has unfolded since the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in February 2022. As the war persists and the needs of the Ukrainian people continue to emerge, local partners work to build and support programs to care for internally displaced persons and refugees. Week of Compassion remains in close contact with ecumenical partners providing support.
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