The North Carolina Conference Board of Church and Society is a group of committed clergy and laity who seek to relate the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ministry and mission of our churches and communities. One role of the Board is to help churches have an awareness and understanding of the UMC’s Social Principles. Each quarter, the Board will highlight an issue of justice, share a story of good work happening in our communities, or let you know how you can get involved in advocacy as a United Methodist. All are welcome to sign up to receive these quarterly emails here.
Militarization at the Border
In November 2022, Hope 4 Humanity (H4H) participated in a direct action at the Washington DC headquarters of the Department of Homeland Security/Customs Border Patrol and in legislative advocacy urging our legislators to defund federal support of Operation Lone Star, a program that escalates militarization of the border and is fueled by white supremist rhetoric.
Why should we be concerned?
- Border communities are mini-war zones where the basic rights of citizens and migrants are violated every day.
- Militarization increases exponentially with National Guard troops, Border Patrol agents and the Texas Department of Public Safety officers carrying assault weapons, wearing tactical gear and using racial profiling.
- Migrants, treated like criminals, are being detained in substandard detention centers.
- Quiet, residential border communities are bombarded with overhead surveillance, low level traffic citations, high speed police car chases and extremist policies that harm public safety.
- Inhumane policies of prevention through deterrence do not work and only strengthen cartels and coyotes who prey on innocent and desperate migrants.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love and welcome our neighbors unconditionally. H4H is working to highlight this alarming trend with webinars and pilgrimages to the border. Follow us on our website and Facebook page.
Lisa Bachman, Deaconess
Team Lead, Hope 4 Humanity
Prayer:
God of all creation and all peoples, you command us to love the alien as ourselves for our ancestors were aliens in the land of Egypt. You call us to be with the immigrant in gracious welcome and steadfast protection. Raise up your people to be strong advocates for those who flee unimaginable violence, threats of murder, rape, and human trafficking. Give us eyes to see them as our own children, our siblings, and your people. Lord, embolden our voices to speak your truth till the policies of our nation reflect your will for those who seek asylum or a better life. Let peace and justice for immigrants flow down from your Church upon this nation like a mighty rolling stream till everyone can find rest in green pastures and safety beside still waters. In the name of the Good Shepherd, Lord of all, Amen.
What does the UMC Say….
Our United Methodist Social Principles affirm that “human values must outweigh military claims” and “the militarization of society must be challenged and stopped” (¶ 165). Moreover, in the Book of Resolutions, the UMC urges United Methodists in the United States and Mexico to “seek ways to network on fair trade, labor and human rights, agricultural, and environmental concerns.” Read More