The United Methodist Church's position on immigration is documented in several places in the Book of Discipline's Social Principles and is further documented in the United Methodist Book of Resolutions. These official positions are voted on by members of the General Conference, which meets every four years. Members of General Conference are elected by the annual conferences in the United States and Central Conferences outside the United States to attend this legislative assembly.
Just, humane immigration reform is one of the Legislative Priorities for the General Board of Church and Society, the denominational agency charged with carrying out the Social Principles through advocacy and education.
GBCS works with various coalitions on comprehensive immigration reform. The Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform is made up of business groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, with some labor organizations, with immigrants, advocacy groups and with a number of faith groups.
GBCS is advocating for comprehensive immigration reform legislation that will provide a path to citizenship, protect workers, reunite families, restore the rule of law and enhance security.
The General Board of Church and Society offers a way for congregations to get involved:
For more information contact Sandy Sypherd, chair of the Great Plains Immigration Rapid Response Team at [email protected] or Andrea Paret, Great Plains Peace with Justice coordinator at [email protected].
Letter from BishopsRead a letter issued by the Council of Bishops.
Read a statement in opposition to mass deportations by the General Board of Church and Society.
Social PrinciplesRead the Social Principles as revised by the 2020/24 General Conference (page 38)