Resolution 2026-07

“On Christian Opposition to Cruel Treatment of Immigrants by the United States Government”

General Church Budget Implications: None
East Ohio Conference Implications: Yes

Whereas: recent and ongoing policies of the United States related to immigration enforcement, detention, and deportation have included practices that subject migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers to cruel and dehumanizing treatment.

Whereas: these policies and practices include large-scale raids and roundups that tear apart families, destabilize communities, and inflict fear and trauma on individuals and neighborhoods across the United States.

Whereas: policies and practices that separate parents and children inflict deep spiritual, emotional, and physical harm on families and are inconsistent with Christian understandings of justice and compassion.

Whereas: Jesus identifies himself with those who are hungry, thirsty, and far from home, declaring, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).

Whereas: The United Methodist Social Principles (2025–2028) affirm the dignity, worth, and rights of migrants, immigrants, and refugees, and urge United Methodists to welcome migrants, refugees, and immigrants into their congregations and to provide concrete support.

Whereas: in our Wesleyan tradition, Christians are urged to engage public issues with both conviction and charity, speaking the truth in love, praying for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

Therefore, be it resolved: that the East Ohio Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church hereby expresses its opposition to the current immigration policies and practices that criminalize, dehumanize, or inflict cruelty upon allies, migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers.

Be it further resolved: that this opposition is grounded not in partisanship but in our allegiance to Jesus Christ, our obedience to Scripture, and our commitment to the Social Principles and resolutions of The United Methodist Church concerning the dignity and rights of migrants, immigrants, and refugees.

Be it further resolved: that members, congregations, and ministries within the East Ohio Annual Conference are encouraged to consider practices consistent with our Social Principles, which may include: sustained prayer for migrants, refugees, and immigrants and for those in authority; opportunities for study and holy conversation about immigration, Scripture, and the Social Principles; building relationships of mutual support and solidarity with immigrant communities.

Be it further resolved: that this resolution shall have no direct financial implications for the general church or for the East Ohio Annual Conference beyond minimal administrative costs associated with its dissemination.

Submitted by East Ohio Methodist Federation for Social Action and East Ohio United Women in Faith. Co-sponsored by Peninsula United Methodist Church and East Ohio Board of Multicultural Ministries.