Social Concerns

Asylum-seekers from Lebanon are greeted by Federica Brizi and Francesco Piobbichi of the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy (center) upon their arrival in Rome in August 2017. The group obtained legal visas through the Humanitarian Corridors program of the federation, the Synod of Waldensian and Methodist Churches and the Community of Sant’Egidio, run by Mediterranean Hope. Photo courtesy of Mediterranean Hope.

Small churches play big role for refugees in Italy

Italian religious groups, including Methodists, have created a legal, safe pathway for Syrians and other vulnerable asylum seekers to resettle in Italy and the work is expanding.

General Church

The Revs. Mike Slaughter (front) and Adam Hamilton speak in favor of legislation during the denomination's 2012 General Conference in Tampa, Fla. The two are part of Uniting Methodists, which is urging delegates at 2019 General Conference to delay until 2020 passing an exit plan for churches. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

Group urges GC2019 to defer exit plans

The Uniting Methodists, an unofficial advocacy group, is urging delegates to refer all exit plan petitions to the 2020 General Conference.

Social Concerns

United Methodist deaconess Cindy Johnson (right) walks to buy medicine with Isabél who traveled with her daughter from Nicaragua to Matamoros, Mexico, hoping to request asylum in the U.S. Kassandra, 16 months, was suffering from fever and weight loss while she and her mother waited for their turn to approach the bridge leading to Brownsville, Texas. Johnson, who makes regular visits to the makeshift camp, brought members of the United Methodist Immigration Task Force for a firsthand look at the immigration situation. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

United Methodists respond to migrants at the border

The United Methodist Immigration Task Force saw United Methodists in action caring for migrants from around the world seeking asylum at border towns in Texas.

Social Concerns

Participants hold signs during an interfaith gathering at Rajah Sulayman plaza in Manila. Satur Ocampo (left), a well-known social activist, commended the interfaith initiative, calling it “a signal that society should not remain silent in the face of such exigencies.” Photo by Gladys Mangiduyo, UMNS.

New concerns over human rights in Philippines

United Methodists, concerned about the escalation of threats and violent incidents, are seeking God’s wisdom and strength through prayer.

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