On Tuesday, I published an blog article about the UMC in Germany's statement on immigration and its relevance given current debates about especially Muslim immigration in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. Immigration has been a focus for the UMC in Germany beyond that statement mentioned on Tuesday. Back in December, the UMC in Germany and the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) co-sponsored an event called the Global Migration Consultation.
The Global Migration Consultation brought together about forty church leaders (including four bishops) representing migrant congregations across Europe and beyond. The five-day long event produced rich discussion about the challenges and opportunities involved in ministry with migrants.
Fortunately, Rev. Dr. Arthur McClanahan, Director of Communications for the Iowa Conference of The United Methodist Church, covered the Global Migration Consultation extensively. I highly recommend reading his series of five articles about the event as a way of getting to know more how the UMC is addressing migration as a context of ministry.
'Migration will revitalize the church': Global Migration Consultation convenes in Germany
Care for the migrant to focus on 'action of hope'
Bishop Trimble 'inspired' by United Methodist Church in Mexico
Global Migration Consultation - Day Two
Global Migration Consultation concludes
And if you're looking for more resources on Methodists and migration, the Methodist Church in Britain has released this podcast about their efforts to minister in the context of global migration.
David W. Scott is assistant professor of religion at Ripon College, Ripon, Wis. He curates the collaborative blog UM & Global on behalf of United Methodist Professors of Mission.