Church World Service Statement
Screenshot Courtesy of Iowa Annual Conference
Iowa Annual Conference | Feb. 17, 2025
The United Methodist Church has a long history of standing with the marginalized, advocating for justice, and providing aid to those in need. Today, as Church World Service (CWS) and other faith-based organizations challenge the Trump Administration’s suspension of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program (USRAP) and the freeze on refugee funding, United Methodists reaffirm their commitment to welcoming the stranger and supporting those seeking safety and a new life in the United States.
A Call to Justice and Compassion
CWS, a long-time partner of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), has joined a lawsuit against the administration’s Executive Order suspending refugee resettlement and withholding congressionally appropriated funds. The legal action, filed in the Western District of Washington, argues that the order is unlawful and disrupts a decades-old commitment to resettling refugees fleeing violence, persecution, and war.
United Methodists, through their connectional ministry with UMCOR, have been active in supporting refugee resettlement for generations. From providing emergency relief in crisis zones to assisting newly arrived families in adapting to life in the U.S., the Church embodies Christ’s call to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Stories of Displacement and Hope
The impact of the refugee suspension is deeply personal. Plaintiffs in the case include individuals who were on the verge of beginning new lives in the U.S. but were suddenly left stranded due to the executive action. Ahmed, an Afghan peace activist and former student of the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul, was set to reunite with his sister and meet his youngest niece for the first time. Instead, he remains in limbo. Pacito, a Congolese refugee who fled war as a child, sold everything he had in preparation for his journey to America, only to find himself sleeping in a parking lot with his wife and infant after their flight was canceled at the last minute.
For these individuals and thousands like them, the suspension of USRAP is more than a policy change—it is a devastating loss of hope, stability, and security. As Rick Santos, President and CEO of CWS, stated, “Refugee resettlement is an exceptionally successful public-private partnership between the U.S. Government and people of faith that revitalizes communities and upholds our nation’s values of compassion and generosity.”
The United Methodist Response
UMCOR, the humanitarian arm of The United Methodist Church, has long partnered with CWS in refugee resettlement efforts. Through the Migrant and Refugee Assistance program, UMCOR provides resources, funding, and advocacy for displaced persons. Across the country, United Methodist congregations have answered the call to serve as sponsors, mentors, and support networks for refugee families seeking a fresh start.
As people of faith, United Methodists believe in upholding the dignity and worth of every individual. Our Social Principles affirm our commitment to human rights, stating, “We support policies that welcome refugees and immigrants and ensure that they receive fair and compassionate treatment.” The current suspension of refugee admissions runs counter to these values and threatens to dismantle the infrastructure that has enabled the U.S. to be a place of refuge for those fleeing persecution.
Faith in Action: A Call to Advocacy
The lawsuit filed by CWS, HIAS, and Lutheran Community Services Northwest is not only about restoring a vital humanitarian program—it is about defending the moral and legal obligations that define us as a nation. The United Methodist Church stands alongside these faith-based organizations, calling on policymakers to reinstate refugee resettlement and uphold the principles of justice and compassion.
United Methodists can take action by:
- Praying for refugees and displaced persons worldwide.
- Supporting UMCOR’s refugee and immigration ministries.
- Advocating for just policies that protect and welcome refugees.
- Partnering with local refugee resettlement agencies to offer tangible support to families in need.
A Commitment to Welcome
Throughout scripture, we are reminded of God’s call to welcome the stranger and care for the oppressed. The words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35 echo in our hearts: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” In the face of policies that threaten to close doors, United Methodists remain steadfast in their commitment to opening hearts, homes, and communities to those in need.
As this legal battle unfolds, we reaffirm our unwavering support for refugee resettlement and our belief that all people deserve the opportunity to live in safety and dignity. Through our connectional work with CWS and UMCOR, we continue to be the hands and feet of Christ, offering hope and hospitality to the most vulnerable among us.