Becoming Welcoming Communities–Immigration Reform, 2nd Edition
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The United States is a nation of immigrants, continually reshaped by new groups of people bringing diverse cultures, perspectives, and resources. Yet, in Wisconsin, as in the nation as a whole, immigration has become one of the most emotionally charged and polarizing social and political issues.
Immigration is also a core issue for faith communities. The biblical story continually shows God’s concern for the migrant and the outcast. The early Hebrews were “strangers in the land of Egypt” and were asked to remember this heritage by protecting the strangers among them in the Promised Land. Throughout the New Testament, Christians are called to care for the outcast and the stranger. Christians have been in the forefront of those calling for hospitality, solidarity, and justice for the more recently-arrived members of their communities. They have worked to replace prejudice and hostility with understanding and reconciliation.
The Wisconsin Council of Churches is engaged in a collaborative effort to address this issue, focused on education, advocacy, and building understanding between older and newer immigrant communities.
This 2nd edition of Becoming Welcoming Communities has been newly updated and includes new resources, including videos, interviews, worship resources, and more. It is designed to help congregations respond to immigrants and immigration in light of Biblical faith. The curriculum includes lesson plans for six 45-minute study sessions that weave together Wisconsin history, Bible passages, personal stories, information on immigration policies, and suggestions on how to take action to support today’s refugees and immigrants.
Thank you to the United Methodist Foundation, Midvale Community Church (ELCA), member traditions and individual donors for funding this project.
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