Delegates to the Atlanta 2003 Mennonite Church USA convention approved a churchwide statement on immigration, acknowledging the denomination’s roots with immigrants from Europe and growing immigrant communities today. The statement invites congregations to build mutual partnerships with newcomers; be educated about immigrant issues; take part in immigration learning tours; offer food, shelter and other resources; and advocate for just and humane immigration policies. The statement reads, in part: “We reject our country’s mistreatment of immigrants, repent of our silence, and commit ourselves to act with and on behalf of our immigrant brothers and sisters, regardless of their legal status. … We affirm that God has called us to welcome immigrants, because all of us are sojourners (Exodus 23:9, Deuteronomy 24:17, 18). We believe that when we welcome strangers, we welcome Jesus (Matthew 25:35).”

Find the full statement and more immigration resources at http://MennoniteUSA.org/Peace