IMMIGRATION ISSUES, DEPORTATION, AND TODAY’S CHURCH

More than 30 people from Illinois/Wisconsin and several other districts took part in the special Oct. 4 online workshop, “Love Has No Borders: Immigration Issues, Deportation, and Today's Church.” Led by Phyllis Dodd, a social worker and Church of the Brethren member from Greensboro, Md., it included a variety of stories, resources, and updates. 

Phyllis has worked extensively in the fields of immigration and deportation cases for many years and wrote the book "Love Has No Borders: True Stories of Desperation as Seen by a Social Worker." While the workshop was not recorded, Phyllis did share many of the resources discussed in the workshop and some others. If you did not register for or attend the workshop but would like to view the resources, please contact the district office. 

Deportation Defense Response Team: This denominational effort, organized by five districts with large numbers of undocumented members to provide support, advocacy, and legal assistance as needed—is inviting partnerships. Congregations wishing to aid this need through special offerings or other fundraising can send gifts to Atlantic Southeast District; contact district executive Beth Sollenberger for more information about sending an offering to the Deportation Defense Response Team at atlanticsoutheastcob@gmail.com. Some of the families of the detained or deported people are homeless and in need of legal and financial support. The team will distribute funds received to members of the church facing immigration challenges who are in need of legal support. A recent denominational Emergency Disaster Fund grant sent $25,000 to aid this effort. The group is also seeking Brethren attorneys who might be willing to assist the work. If you can help, please contact Julie Avila, Educator & Organizer on the Deportation Defense Response Team, at migrantjustice@onearthpeace.org. 

Biweekly Prayer Gatherings for Immigrant Justice are now held every other Thursday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Central over Zoom. Find more information and RSVP at www.onearthpeace.org/2025_09_prayer_gathering_for_immigrant_justice.