In accordance with Resolution IV from Annual Conference 2025, the Bishop, in consultation with the Conference Secretary and Director of Connectional Ministries, wrote the following letter naming the North Carolina Conference’s commitment to take a more public stand in support of immigrants and refugees.
We submitted the letter to the News & Observer on August 6. If the letter is printed, we will update this post with more information.
I am a white woman reared in the South. I am listening and learning. The impact of broken immigration policies and the inhumane disruption of immigrant and refugee families cannot be denied.
Public witness to reject these egregious practices alongside holistic care of immigrants and refugees is incredibly important. Innocent people are caught in the crosshairs of raids, the zeal of authorities, and the oppression of encampment. United Methodists are both heartbroken and enraged.
By listening to immigrant voices, the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, 427 churches strong across the eastern 56 counties of NC, passed a resolution to stand in solidarity with our immigrant and refugee neighbors (nccumc.org/res4).
“When immigrants live in your land with you, you must not cheat them. Any immigrant who lives with you must be treated as if they were one of your citizens. You must love them as yourself…” (Leviticus 19:33-34)
Our lives and communities are richer because of the gifts, services, and relationships immigrants and refugees offer. We urge all citizens to join us in our work of listening, public witness, and holistic care of immigrant and refugee neighbors.
All people are made in the image of God.
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton