United Methodists responding to Europe’s migration crisis

Photo by Daniel Peters for United Methodist News Service from story Coping with Europe’s migration crisis

by Rev. Matt Lacey
North Alabama Conference Director of Mission and Advocacy
 

Thousands upon thousands of people have showed up at the borders of various European countries asking for asylum. This may be the largest refugee crisis since World War II, and already countries and organizations are struggling to find a compassionate and practical way to respond.

As United Methodists, we have already responded in many ways. United Methodists in Messstetten, Germany are opening their hearts and arms to aid those seeking shelter, and are making a difference.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), which is funded by all United Methodists including members of the North Alabama Conference, is working with ministry and nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners on the ground to provide funds, food, and shelter. Your gifts, through your local church, have already made an impact.

The crisis is a heartbreaking event—many families having to make the tough choice of leaving home because of war and poverty and going to new lands hoping to find compassion. As a part of our Judeo-Christian story, we also know that the people of Israel have felt what it means to be on the run, looking for a home.

United Methodists have spoken loudly on the issue of migration, issuing a resolution during the 2008 General Conference:

“That many people will resist poverty and war through migration is an ancient and modern fact of human existence. As a consequence, elaborate national and international systems of containment and classification based on national origin have been developed over the past quarter-century with regard to migrants.

Global migration as a factor in the quest for justice is of major concern to The United Methodist Church as a denomination that is global in its vision, mission, and ministries.”

[For more see RESOLUTION #6028, "Global Migration and the Quest for Justice" in the 2012 Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church]

How can you help?

• Consider donating to UMCOR’s international disaster response. so it can continue to respond to the crisis or choose to make a donation to one of the other organizations who also are making a difference.
   
• Pray about and discuss the issue of migration in your churches: this is not a one-time event and will be ongoing. What does it mean to be a follower of Christ in the midst of a refugee crisis?
   
• Don’t forget: After the news cameras and media leave the scene in a couple of months, keep shedding light on the issue of migration. This is not a one-time issue, and affects many countries and borders.