Drop the I-Word

Action

WHEREAS, the use of the term “illegals” (the I-word) when referring to people dehumanizes and divides communities, contributing to punitive and discriminatory actions aimed primarily at immigrants and communities of color; and

WHEREAS, the racially derogatory I-word endangers basic human rights including the presumption of innocence and the right to due process; and

WHEREAS, The Holy Scripture reminds us of the inherent worth and value of all people; and, the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church “deplore acts of hate or violence against groups or persons based on race” ; and

WHEREAS, as people of faith, we honor the diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds reflected in the body of Christ and understand that immigrant rights are often framed within a hateful and hostile discourse in media, government and the church; and

WHEREAS, certain racially derogatory language used in media, political discourse and other institutional settings has historically fostered harmful actions including racial profiling practices, hate crimes and violence;

Therefore, be it resolved, that as a denomination we:

1. Ask United Methodists to commit in both written and verbal communication that no child of God is “illegal”;
2. Strongly encourage local churches, annual conferences, general agencies, campus ministries, and any other place where the United Methodist Church has a witness to expand awareness within the church and communities the negative racial impacts of calling people “illegals”;
3. Continue to affirm the human rights and dignity of all persons regardless of their nationality or legal status;
4. Call on United Methodists to strongly denounce xenophobic and racist language used to describe human beings;

Therefore, be it further resolved, that United Methodist publications refrain from using the word “illegals” when referring to people and instead use the term undocumented or non-citizen.