Immigrant and Refugee Response
Photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance
In the 1940s, the Christian Church designated the ‘Wartime Service Fund’ to respond to the multiple humanitarian crises created by World War II. Out of that initial response, Week of Compassion was formed. Eight decades later, the partners and relationships rooted in that work continue to this day. There are more refugees and displaced persons than at any time in our global history, and as climate crisis, a pandemic/endemic reality, and national/international conflicts all persist, the crisis only grows. Avenues of support are increasingly complex, and the response of the faith community is more important than ever. In Matthew 25, Jesus draws on his own Jewish heritage, repeating God’s insistence that we welcome the stranger – welcoming in his name, one welcomes Christ himself. Millions have resettled in the U.S. over the years, often assisted by faith communities living out the call to provide radical welcome and hospitality to all of God’s children.
Where do we start? |
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Refugee resettlement engages congregations and individuals who are ready to welcome refugees, preparing to serve even before a crisis is present. Week of Compassion provides support and resources, connections to resettlement experts, and accompanies you as you do the work to be ready when family resettlement is needed.
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Responses & Resources |
EQUITY GRANT for Refugee Response |
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In 2023, more than 70 Disciples churches responded to the needs of refugees, evacuees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in their communities. Thousands of people from all over the world saw the support, care, and compassion of Disciples who welcomed the stranger through radical acts of hospitality and love. Learn more about Disciples' refugee responses and ongoing opportunities to connect.
click image for 2023 Report
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In an effort to expand our support for congregations engaged in refugee, asylum-seeker, and immigrant support, this grant is designed for Disciples congregations that are a part of NAPAD, La Obra Hispana, and National Convocation. Congregations may have an existing refugee ministry, or an idea for a new venture, that can benefit from grant support.
This grant focuses on ministries that might be outside the usual ‘refugee response’, creating avenues for congregations who are establishing innovative ways to address the concerns and needs of the refugee, migrant, and immigrant communities.
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Request print copies via [email protected]
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WORLD REFUGEE DAY
A refugee is someone who flees home and country owing to ‘a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion’. Many refugees are in exile to escape the effects of natural or human-made disasters.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY (June 20) is designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe, an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY (June 20) is designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe, an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
Responding in AFGHANISTAN
CWSA / ACT Alliance
Week of Compassion provides Afghan Welcome congregational support grants to encourage and strengthen Disciples churches in welcoming Afghans to communities across the U.S., in partnership with their local resettlement agencies. This grant can be used for congregational ministries that help with food assistance, rent, or any other essentials. Grants range from $500-$2,000. |
Responding in UKRAINE
Lviv train station. Antti Yrjönen / FCA
Multiple phases of care and response have unfolded since the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in February 2022. Timelines continue to unfold while the war carries on and the needs of the Ukrainian people continue to emerge. Our partners continue to work locally to build and support structures in place to care for internally displaced persons and refugees in this crisis. As the situation continues to unfold in Ukraine, Week of Compassion will continue to find ways to empower congregations engaged in the work of refugee support. |
Zaatari refugee camp (Syrian), near Mafraq, Jordan. Paul Jeffrey / ACT Alliance
Even after many years, Week of Compassion remains attentive to the people of Syria, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, among others. Week of Compassion continues to respond through our global and ecumenical partners, for the sake of the affected communities, as their stories affect the needs and responses of resettlement work in the United States. Through various partners, including Global Ministries and Church World Service, we help displaced people find hope, opportunity, community, and most importantly, the promise of a better future. Through our relationships with these and other partners, we support advocacy and legal support for immigrants and resettled families around the world where those fleeing violence and persecution can find new life.
