We recognize that there are many significant developments regarding immigration and refugee resettlement in these early months of the new administration in Washington, DC, and we will provide resources and events regarding these changes and the response of the church and our many partners in ministry on this page.
This webpage is being updated on an ongoing basis. We encourage you to bookmark it and check back regularly for new information. If you are aware of resources or events to add to this page, please send them to gmsoffice@gmselca.org.
Statements and Press Releases
- ELCA responds to false accusations on X 02-02-2025 | Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
PDF – Joint Statement on Immigration from ELCA Bishops in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan
PDF – Press Release – Joint Statement on Immigration from ELCA Bishops in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan
Presiding Bishop Eaton Issues Pastoral Message on Executive Orders
Statement from the Asociacion de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA
Resources for Creating a Congregation Statement or Plan
Wisconsin Countil of Churches: “Immigrants Welcome Here”
Our faith is filled with examples of welcoming the stranger and the immigrant. As immigrant communities are increasingly under attack in the United States, we are inviting you to proudly proclaim welcome through a visible campaign. Created by the East Central Synod of the ELCA, your congregation is invited to download resources and proclaim your welcome both online and physically throughout your space.
Webinar Resources (“Immigration & Faith Communities Preparing and Protecting Organizations” from the ACLU and Wisconsin Council of Churches)
- Webinar slides
- Checklist – what to do if ICE agents arrive at your place of worship
- The ACLU’s immigrant rights page in English and other languages (this will continue to be updated)
- The 2022 report on 287g agreements
- Additional events from the ACLU
AMMPARO, Migrant Ministry of the ELCA – Resources for prayer, becoming a welcoming congregation, advocacy and accompaniment, and giving generously
“Know Your Rights” Red Card Resource and Campaign – Printed resource in English and Spanish to provide community members awareness of rights
Factsheet from ELCA Legal Counsel on rescission of “Protected Areas Policies” a.k.a. “sanctuary” from the National Immigration Law Center – Understand the most up to date legislation on the term, “sanctuary,” as it pertains to immigrants, congregations, and learning centers
ELCA Social Message, “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy”
Resources from ELCA Witness in Society Team
- Guidance for Places of Worship – Encounters with ICE from the ACLU WI
Additional Resources from our Partners
