INTRODUCTION
What is welcome? Around the country, thousands of everyday people practice welcome. Through welcoming and being welcomed, we acknowledge our shared humanity, bridge our differences, and embark on journeys of shared spirituality and faith. The following stories show what the spiritual practice of welcome in our sacred texts and principles looks like in practice and what it can look like for you. #ThisIsWelcome
We wish to honor, empower, and respect those that choose to collaborate and share their stories with us. Visit bit.ly/IICGuidelines4DIEngagement for tips on engagement with directly-impacted individuals.
Inspired to start a church-based immigration center
“We had one pastor who attended our conference last year unsure as to whether or not the conference would be beneficial to him. Upon sitting in one of our [sessions] on “How to start a church-based immigration center” he knew exactly why he was there and was inspired to begin the process of starting a site in his local congregation.”
– Daniel Montañez – Mygration Christian Conference, Pentecostal
Franciscan sisters welcome
“As a group of Franciscan Sisters in Baltimore, we tried to welcome whomever came into our home. We welcomed people from Africa, Bangladesh, Mexico, and Jamaica–they were our dinner guests. We aimed to help them access the services they needed.”
– Sister Mary Jeanne Quinlivan, OSF – Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, Catholic
Immigration summit highlights our similarities to migrants
“People in migration are not merely “others” — foreigners on the run, escaping unimaginable humanitarian crisis… but people on the move who have traditions and families and histories…People in migration are people with dignity.”
– Linda at La Crosse, WI – Coulee Region Immigration Taskforce, Interdenominational, and Jen Pick, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
The Cáceres family receives asylum
“We invite you to know the beginning of our church’s story of accompaniment thanks to the Cáceres family in this video.”
– Rev. Dr. Eileen Altman at Palo Alto, CA – First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, United Church of Christ
Pilgrimage with faith leaders
“We like to connect lay and faith leaders to these realities through the experience of pilgrimage. We then encourage the leaders to share their experience at their congregations or ministries and engage others in advocacy and other campaigns.”
– The Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity
Helping an Afghan family start anew
“Last year, we supported an Afghan refugee family – to help them settle in Montgomery County, MD with furniture, clothing, and household items. We collected the items, rented a storage unit to hold them until the family was ready to move and then furnished their home. We also conducted collections of non-perishable personal items for a local immigrant/refugee organization”
– Jim Caldiero, at Ellicott City, MD – Channing Memorial Church (UU), Unitarian Universalist
Supporting Unaccompanied Children
“I’m inspired and challenged to do a better job of welcoming and supporting these children.”
– Becky, Child Advocate Volunteer Mennonite Central Committee U.S., Mennonite
Unitarians rally resources for Syrian then Venezuelan families
“For me, the work is heart-warming, connection building and a tremendous pulling together of resources and love.”
– Ann V. Stevenson, at Bellingham, WA – Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, Unitarian Universalist
Witnessing the beloved kindom with asylum seekers
“I wish at times that all y’all could see and witness some of the beloved kindom happenings at the MHCC building during the week with our asylum guests. I am blessed and honored to hold so many moments each week. I was encouraged this week to try and share some of them with you…so here are a few scenes from just the last couple days…”
– Rev. Laurie Anderson at Dallas, TX – Midway Hills Christian Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)