Immigrant Justice
In 2020 Myers Park Baptist we adopted an Immigration statement – below is a part of that statement.
As a community of faith, we believe that when one individual or group suffers rejection and abuse, the whole body suffers. Therefore, we acknowledge the deep individual and systemic wounds that result from any unjust immigration system. Our sacred scriptures call us to love the foreigner [1], seek justice for the immigrant, and welcome the stranger with hospitality. For instance, Leviticus 19 states, “When an immigrant resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the immigrant. The immigrant who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the immigrant as yourself.” As people on a journey–and of a faith shaped by people in exile–we are called to love those who are also journeying as God has loved us.
Our immigrant neighbors are living in fear. In a recent meeting MPBC representatives and other faith communities met with local immigrant advocates to understand and discuss how we, as faith communities, can support our immigrant communities. It was difficult to hear stories about losing jobs, loss of income for immigrant businesses, fear of going out to the doctor’s office, hospital or shop. Fear permeates this community.
There are numerous issues facing this community: Evictions from their apartments or mobile homes; low-income workers cannot afford to renew their passport or pay for green cards, keeping ICE away from schools to protect our children,
There are several ways you can help:
Carolina Migrant Network (704.457.5269 or carolinamigrantnetwork.org)
- Offers training regarding supporting immigrant community
- Provides Hotline to report suspected ICE in a community (704-740-7727)
- Provides legal services for asylum, removal hearings
Latin American Coalition (704-531-3848 or latinamericancoaltion.org)
- Supports immigrant with food cards, provide travel to doctor, immigration appointments etc
- Provides training in English language, economic, educational and cultural barriers.
Crisis Assistance Ministry (704-371-3001 or crisisassistance.org)
- Provide emergency financial assistance
- Provides clothing and household items
- Basic needs and Rent assistance
If you are interested in assisting MPBC in supporting our immigrant community, please contact:
Cindy Adcock, Chair, Ministry of Justice and Outreach