faith in action

Tell Jeff Sessions to care for immigrants!

Use social media to contact Attorney General Jeff Sessions about the recent policy decisions at the Department of Justice regarding immigrants.


If you are a United Methodist who cares about the compassionate treatment of immigrants entering the United States, it might seem like a constant stream of bad news lately.

The Department of Justice, under the direction of Jeff Sessions, has made two announcements in the last month that are at odds with our shared United Methodist values.

The first policy is that of separating children from their parents when they are apprehended. This practice, apart from being horrific to witness, is also against our Social Principles in which our Church states, “We oppose immigration policies that separate family members from each other or that include detention of families with children, and we call on local churches to be in ministry with immigrant families.” (Social Principles ¶162.H)

The second action was overturning asylum protections for victims of domestic abuse and gang violence. The repercussions from this action will be devastating for those fleeing incredible violence. Our Social Principles also state, "We affirm the right of women to live free from violence and abuse and urge governments to enact policies that protect women against all forms of violence.” (Social Principles ¶162.F)

So what can we do about this?

Jeff Sessions is the Attorney General, but he is also a fellow United Methodist. He has the power to end these policies. Here is what you can do:

  • Print out this sign
  • Take a picture of you holding it. Are you clergy? Consider wearing your collar or a stole.
  • Post it on social media and tag the Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept)

Sample posts:

Twitter

Hey @TheJusticeDept this United Methodist wants you to #KeepFamiliesTogether and protect survivors of domestic abuse! @umcjustice https://www.umcjustice.org/who-we-are/social-principles-and-resolutions/the-social-community-162/the-social-community-rights-of-immigrants-162-h

The United Methodist Church disagrees with @TheJusticeDept policies about immigrants. Compassion, not cruelty! @umcjustice https://www.umcjustice.org/who-we-are/social-principles-and-resolutions/the-social-community-162/the-social-community-rights-of-immigrants-162-h