DEPORTATION DEFENSE RESPONSE

A denominational effort, organized by five districts with large numbers of undocumented members in partnership with On Earth Peace and Intercultural Ministries, has been formed to provide support, advocacy, and legal assistance as needed. A Deportation Defense Response (DDR) webpage is now online at www.onearthpeace.org/deportation_defense_response_team. A toolkit of resources is at https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/168SYbD3cMBO8ORb4sDXMqMbA2yvSGCN. To be  dded to the DDR newsletter list, to share other helpful resources for the toolkit, to share how a resource from the toolkit benefited your congregation or community, to find out how to get involved with the work, or for other questions, email migrantjustice@onearthpeace.org.

Two special events are being offered this week: On Wednesday, June 17, from 5-6 p.m. Central, a World Refugee Day Ecumenical Service will feature Founa Badet, Vildor Archange, and Julie Avila. ) alongside other denominational leaders. The link to register and description of the event is here: Register for World Refugee Day Ecumenical Service. And on Thursday, June18, from 6-7:30 pm Central, a Faith in Motion event will have Pastor Irv Heishman share about his experience visiting two church members who were deported to Honduras. There will be a time for Q&A, reflection, and finding out some ways to support and advocate for immigrants. RSVP Here!

The group is inviting local partnerships and offering a process for online donations for the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund at www.onearthpeace.org/legal_mutual_aid_fund_donations. You can also mail checks payable to Atlantic Southeast District with “DDR” in the memo line. Checks can be sent to Atlantic Southeast District, 64954 Orchard Dr., Goshen, IN 46526. For questions contact atlanticsoutheastcob@gmail.com. Congregations needing financial help to aid their immigrant church members may apply for grants from the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund by contacting ddrcobcoordinator@gmail.com or 561-647-8981 to receive the application form. The team will distribute funds received to members of the church facing immigration challenges who need legal support.

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 Prayer Gathering for Immigrant Justice - On Earth Peace.

The DDR team also is looking for stories of individuals in congregations directly impacted by immigration enforcement and policy changes, and for stories of people practicing “faith in motion” on behalf of immigrant neighbors and siblings in Christ. Contact migrantjustice@onearthpeace.org with a short, written story or to schedule a virtual call.

Do you have congregational news: celebrations, milestones, “Jesus in the Neighborhood” stories or other things to share with our district family? Please send them to iwdde@outlook.com.