News From The Assembly

Resolution Approved On Faith And New Neighbors 
July 25, 2007 - Disciples News Service - Fort Worth, Texas

Delegates to the 2007 General Assembly unanimously adopted a sense-of-the-assembly resolution to be an affirming and supportive denomination on issues of immigration.

Ann Marie Coleman of University Christian Church in Chicago, the church that sponsored the “Faith and Our New Neighbors” resolution, said, “This is a critical issue.” She asked Disciples to do four things – reflect on current immigration issues; embrace and form relationships with immigrants, especially Disciples immigrant congregations; advocate immigration reform legislation that is just, humane and compassionate, and provide hospitality that meets the needs of our immigrant neighbors in the areas of food, clothing, housing, health care, education, employment, legal assistance and refuge.

Noemi Mena of National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C., an immigrant herself who pastors to other immigrants, said they yearn “with all their hearts to live and work in this country.”

By passing the resolution, the General Assembly affirms its support of the daily efforts to welcome our new neighbors that are taking place in many congregations and regions and by the Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in Texas, Humane Borders in Arizona, the Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries, the Office of North American Pacific/Asian Disciples, the New Church Ministry Team of Church Extension, and Refugee and Immigration Ministries of Disciples Home Missions.

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By: John Hotard, freelance writer