GCORR Hosts Immigration Summit, Mobilizing Church Leaders for Justice and Solidarity
May 7, 2025
The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) of The United Methodist Church hosted a powerful Immigration Summit last month in Omaha, Nebraska, bringing together more than 100 church leaders across denominations, representing over 40 United Methodist annual conferences from across the United States. A key goal of the Summit was to equip selected representatives from each annual conference with training in various aspects of immigration justice, so they could return to their communities prepared to lead similar workshops and foster deeper engagement at the local level.
Rooted in the Wesleyan tradition of social holiness and the biblical call to “welcome the stranger,” the Summit featured workshops, worship, storytelling, and strategy sessions. Participants heard firsthand from immigrants and faith leaders serving on the frontlines of justice work, learning how local churches can respond with compassion, courage, and care.
The Summit also acknowledged the complexities of immigration in our current political and cultural landscape. Rather than aligning with any one political agenda, GCORR’s approach centers on human dignity, God’s love for all people, and the Christian imperative to stand alongside the marginalized.
Over the course of three days, attendees engaged in theological reflection, received practical resources, and built meaningful relationships across conference lines. The Summit highlighted the lived experiences of immigrant communities and offered actionable strategies to support ministry, advocacy, and accompaniment in local contexts.
In an interview before the close of the gathering, Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo, General Secretary of GCORR, reflected on the movement he witnessed in the room:
“We have gone beyond what we imagined was possible. I think the last three days have demonstrated to us the movement of the Spirit and the passion of the community to be responding to the current realities of immigration in our country,” he said. “The room is just a testament that there are people who are willing to step in and be in the forefront of guiding and advocating and teaching and being among our immigrants.”
GCORR’s work in immigration justice builds upon its longstanding commitment to equity and inclusion throughout the United Methodist Church. The Immigration Summit marks a significant milestone in equipping church leaders with the relationships, tools, and spiritual grounding needed to stand alongside immigrant siblings and embody God’s love in action in their local ministries and communities.
To explore immigration resources, visit www.r2hub.org/immigration
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Contact:
Jeehye Kim
Senior Director of Communications and Marketing
The General Commission on Religion and Race
jpak@gcorr.org | www.gcorr.org
The General Commission on Religion and Race is one of 13 church-wide agencies of The United Methodist Church. The Commission offers teaching resources, training, and networking for Christians seeking to bring their faith to the task of dismantling racism, tribalism, and xenophobia in all forms. More information available at www.gcorr.org