Immigrant welcoming

We, the congregation of Robbinsdale United Church of Christ, Robbinsdale, MN, covenant with the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ, our Creator God, and all migrants to be an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation. We enter into this covenant knowing that it is grounded in scripture:

• Exodus 23:9--Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because

  you were foreigners in Egypt.

• Leviticus 19:33-34--When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The

  foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were

  foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

• Matthew 25:35--For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me

  something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was

  sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

We make this covenant recognizing that the world is in the midst of a long-term refugee crisis with thousands of God’s people displaced or on the move; seeking safety, security, freedom, and opportunity. We also recognize many immigrants in our country continue to fear raids, deportation or long-term detention by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and their families being torn apart.

As a community of God’s people, we are called to be a loving, living presence in our world and so we make this covenant to become an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation that walks in solidarity with our immigrant kin.

We will live into this covenant in a variety of ways:

• We will financially support organizations that work toward immigration justice (for example,

  Conversations with Friends)

• We will provide information and updates to our congregation members regarding immigration issues

  and use our congregational voice or urge congregation action at appropriate times to promote change

• We will promote interaction with immigrants who reside in our community, including strengthening our

  relationship with Jesus is the Way International Ministries

• We will be a loving presence to families separated from loved ones due to immigration status

• We will offer hospitality to person(s) from any country or faith perspective who is/are in danger of being

  deported and thus being separated from their families, if the need presents itself.

These efforts will be coordinated and led by the Immigrant Welcoming team, who will be appointed by the Church Coordinating Council and will report to the Church Coordinating Council.