En espanol

April 9, 2018

My dear Brothers and Sisters:

As with many of you, I have been concerned about the families who have been separated by the recent raid conducted in Grainger County by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The pain that we have seen in the media grieves us.

I am thankful for those who have reached out and offered comfort and support. As the church, we are always compelled to respond when someone is hurting. It is my prayer that there will be a just resolution for those who were detained.

I respect the Department of Homeland Security and the complexity of issues surrounding immigration in our country. However, I pray that all United Methodist Christians in Holston Conference will live out Jesus’ lesson in the story of The Good Samaritan. As you know, the people of faith in that story did not respond in a caring way. They simply walked away.

We are called to love our neighbor regardless of who they are. May we be the ones who are helping in this difficult situation. Let us pray that a way will be found for these families to be reunited.

Grace and Peace,

DINDY TAYLOR
Resident Bishop
Holston Conference

For more information:

Rights of Immigrants (UMC Social Principles)

Welcoming the Migrant to the U.S. (UMC Book of Resolutions)

Welcoming the Migrant in Our Midst (Holston Annual Conference, 2017)