Friday, August 01, 2025

IMMIGRATION ISSUES, DEPORTATION, AND TODAY’S CHURCH

The district will host a special workshop on Saturday, Oct. 4: “Love Has No Borders: Immigration Issues, Deportation, and Today's Church.” This online Zoom event will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. and will be led by Phyllis Dodd, a social worker and Church of the Brethren member from Greensboro, Md. 

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." A graduate of Juniata College, she has also served as refugee resettlement coordinator for Mid-Atlantic District and is a talented musician who plays bass with a local band. 

There is no charge for this event, and anyone is welcome to attend. Clergy can receive 0.15 CEU's for participating. To register and receive the Zoom link, please contact the IL/WI District office at iwdde@outlook.com

Deportation Defense Response Team: This denominational effort, organized by several 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. The team will distribute funds received to members of the church facing immigration challenges who are in need of legal support. 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. Also, a “Service of Lament for Families Disrupted by Deportation” is being planned by the team and at least three congregations in Ohio. Leaders of Church of the Brethren congregations who have members who have been detained or deported are planning the public service of lament on Aug. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Central. The outdoor service will include church members’ stories,  scripture readings, songs, and prayer. It will take place in southwest or south-central Ohio.