ACTION ALERT: Tell Congress to Support the Religious Workforce Protection Act (2025)—H.R. 2672 / S. 1298

“We urge governments, businesses, churches, and other institutions in the civil society to take concerted action to preserve and protect the rights of all religious people.” (Social Principles, The Political Community, Section J)

International religious workers who are pastors, chaplains, lay leaders, faith-based social service providers, offer critical spiritual and humanitarian care in neighborhoods across the United States.

Today in the United States, it is increasingly more difficult to provide ministry because of the many obstacles international religious workers confront, including:

• Visa delays and denials for non-citizen religious leaders
• Gaps in legal protection against discrimination in public service
• Insecurity in employment and housing due to unjust or outdated immigration policies

As United Methodists, we affirm the sacred worth and dignity of all people and advocate for just policies that uphold the rights of religious workers across all faith traditions. The Religious Workforce Protection Act (H.R. 2672 / S. 1298) in the 119th Congress is a critical step in ensuring fair treatment, protection, and dignity for religious workers who serve our communities with compassion and spiritual leadership.

The Religious Workforce Protection Act Would:

• Streamline and protect visa pathways for international religious workers
• Safeguard religious workers from employment discrimination
• Support underserved communities reliant on faith-based care and leadership
• Uphold religious liberty and affirm the moral contributions of faith communities

Act now to let your congressional leaders know, we believe religious workers deserve protection, dignity, and freedom to serve in ministry.