Giovana Oaxaca shares a blog on ELCA.org observing World Refugee Day, as we celebrate the Lutheran heritage of hospitality and advocacy for refugees. The ELCA continues to lead with its AMMPARO strategy, welcoming congregations nationwide and advocating for fair and generous immigration policies. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Johnson-Reed Act, reminding us of the enduring importance of solidarity.
Read MoreThe ELCA's AMMPARO strategy, originally focused on the Americas, is expanding globally to address the increased needs of migrants worldwide. AMMPARO Global aims to enhance collaboration with international partners to provide comprehensive support for migrants. Recent visits to Serbian and Bosnian partners highlight the strategy's commitment to articulation and network building, crucial for addressing global migration challenges effectively. Read more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreEpiscopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and AMMPARO, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) migrant ministry, have partnered to enhance training and support for asylum-seeker sponsors through the Neighbor to Neighbor program. This partnership aims to bolster community sponsorship efforts by offering practical support and fostering connections for asylum-seekers in areas such as housing, education, and employment. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreRead about the stark realities of migrant experiences in "Witnessing Cruelty and Compassion on a Dominican Highway." This powerful blog post by Stephen Deal from ELCA's AMMPARO shares a vivid account of a journey in the Dominican Republic, where the author encounters the inhumane treatment of Haitian migrants. Amidst this harsh reality, the story also highlights a moment of profound compassion from a local woman, offering a glimmer of hope and humanity.
Read MoreRaed AbuJries delves deep into his immigration experience, emphasizing the transformative power of kindness. As he navigated the complexities of American society, the diverse responses from individuals shaped his perspective on acceptance, prejudice, and the real-world implications of Matthew 25:35. Through his journey, Raed underscores the value of "inviting in" strangers and the profound ripple effect it can have on both individuals and communities. Read about his immigration experience on the AMMPARO blog.
Read MoreFacing rising anti-immigration sentiments, it's crucial to support advocacy for humane immigration laws and policies. Unearth the challenges, misconceptions, and the role of faith in fostering tolerance in this post from ELCA’s AMMPARO blog, With Anti-Immigration Sentiments Rising, More Action is Needed.
Read MoreNo matter where one’s views fall on the spectrum of thoughts about immigration issues, members of our Lutheran faith family should be extraordinarily disturbed by the massive displacement of individuals and families across the globe.
Read MoreLenny stands next to the bank of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo. He can see the U.S. from where he stands in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, but he can’t get there. A former soldier in the Venezuelan armed forces, he decided to leave his home country looking for greater opportunities.
Read MoreAccompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) responds to recent arrivals of migrants by bus.
“Those who cross through our country to get to a better place to live are human beings with needs who eat, who drink and who need to rest. Let us not allow rejection and xenophobia to be more visible than God’s great acts of justice and love” —Moises Perez Espino, Biblical Studies; Old Testament and Migration
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA Ammparo and ELCA Advocacy in their webinar, “Boldly Serving Our Afghan Neighbors: A Call for Congregational Accompaniment and Co-Sponsorship,” Tuesday, 2/8/2022, 5 pm MST, 4 pm PST. Register here.
Read MoreAcross the United States and over the years, places of worship and people of faith have been key partners in welcoming refugees, asylum seekers and others in need of hospitality. ELCA members and congregations have recently poured in their concern, prayers, and offers of assistance for uprooted Afghan neighbors following the end of the long war in Afghanistan.
We share a video and two posts from AMMPARO: an overview of the situation, and one on the Urgent Need for Congregational Accompaniment of Afghan refugees. An information session will be held February 8, 2022, at 6 p.m. Central time, and we’ll share the link when we receive it.
Read MoreGiovana Oaxaca, program director for Migration Policy and Mary Campbel, program director for AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) share updates on the current situation and work being done by the ELCA to address change. Learn more and get involved at ELCA.org/AMMPARO.
Read MoreAn increase in unaccompanied children and asylum-seekers arriving at the U.S. border with Mexico has given rise to claims of a crisis. Individuals, families and children seeking protection are no crisis — the crisis is the circumstances they are fleeing and the moral challenge of safe welcome.
To offer hope and hospitality to the sojourner in this season of Easter is to bear witness to the suffering that affects the lives of so many.
Read MoreIn her Christmas message, Bishop Eaton shares a story of gathering with women from Honduras: “I told the young Honduran woman about another young woman who was forced to leave home because of a government decree. She, too, was pregnant and made a long and difficult journey.”
Read MoreThe allegations of medical neglect and invasive gynecological procedures in a privately-run detention center in Irwin County, Ocilla, Ga.—including coerced sterilization—quickly drew disbelief and condemnation worldwide this fall. Far from unique, these shocking allegations echo the historic and current reality of cruel and inhumane treatment towards migrant women.
Read MoreAMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) shares a comprehensive infographic summarizing the history of U.S. immigration from designer Kathleen Kowal.
Read MoreThe Interfaith Immigration Coalition is continually updating a Google spreadsheet of resources available to migrants suffering from the pandemic.
Read MoreFor those of you who have discovered this and are not familiar with the ELCA AMMPARO strategy, it the ELCA strategy to accompany migrant children and families with protection, advocacy, representation and opportunities. As a holistic, whole church response, AMMPARO accompanies migrants in countries of origin, transit, destination and return!
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