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 added 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

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. The fund is described at www.onearthpeace.org/immigrant_legal_mutual_aid_fund. It is seeking a total fundraising goal of $250,000; more than $200,000 has now been raised. Grants are being made regularly. 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.

Nine months ago, during a report to the delegates at Annual Conference, the group challenged the congregations of the church to raise $100,000 to create a new Legal and Mutual Aid Fund to meet the needs of Church of the Brethren immigrants due to harsh immigration enforcement. On Easter weekend, they gave thanks that compassionate individuals and churches within the denomination have donated more than a quarter of a million dollars ($250,000) in the last nine months. Beth Sollenberger of the church’s Atlantic Southeast District, which has administered the grants, reports that more than 95 grants have been made via more than 30 congregations. “It is my privilege to be the middle person,” she states. “Day after day, the mailbox contains envelopes with a check enclosed. I am in awe of the generosity of people supporting the DDR Legal and Mutual Aid Fund. I am also inspired by congregations requesting grants to support individuals and families caught in the immigration system. In the Church of the Brethren we are blessed to be able to assist our sisters and brothers with your gifts.”

Biweekly Prayer Gatherings for Immigrant Justice are now held every other Thursday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Central over Zoom, next on April 23. Find more info and RSVP at Prayer Gathering for Immigrant Justice - On Earth Peace.

The DDR team also is looking for stories of individuals in congregations who have been 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,