FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — We, the undersigned organizations of The United Methodist Church, welcome the October 20 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit allowing our legal challenge to the Department of Homeland Security's decision to rescind its sensitive locations policy, including protections for places of worship, to move forward.
This ruling marks an important step in our continued efforts to protect the rights and dignity of immigrant communities and uphold the sacred role of churches as places of worship and belonging.
Our participation in this legal action is rooted in our shared United Methodist faith and our commitment to the sacred worth of every person. Scripture calls us to love our neighbors and welcome the stranger, reminding us that in welcoming others, we welcome Christ (Leviticus 19:33–34; Matthew 25:35).
The United Methodist Church's Social Principles affirm “the dignity, worth and rights of migrants, immigrants, and refugees, including displaced and stateless people” (The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2020/2024, ¶ 163, “Migrants, Immigrants and Refugees”). These teachings call us beyond hospitality to stand alongside those experiencing discrimination and injustice.
Immigrants are an integral part of our churches and communities. They serve as pastors and lay leaders, and they are our families and neighbors. Their faith and contributions enrich the life of The United Methodist Church. When the threat of immigration enforcement creates fear around attending worship or seeking pastoral care, it undermines the ability of faith communities to live out their calling.
Our Wesleyan tradition calls us to do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. These commitments compel us to stand against racism and xenophobia while accompanying immigrant communities. They also call us to advocate for the freedom of all people to worship and gather without fear.
In its ruling, the appeals court recognized that the plaintiffs demonstrated a credible threat of immigration enforcement at or near their places of worship sufficient to establish legal standing. The court reversed the district court's earlier denial of a preliminary injunction and returned the case for further proceedings. While this is an important legal victory, the ruling does not itself restore the previous sensitive locations policy or prohibit immigration enforcement at places of worship.
We are grateful for the work of our legal partners and the many faith communities standing together in this effort. We call on United Methodists across the connection to continue standing in solidarity with immigrant communities through prayer, accompaniment, and meaningful action. Our commitment to justice must extend beyond words and be reflected in how we care for one another, especially those facing uncertainty and systemic injustice.
Together, we reaffirm our commitment to a church and society where every person is treated with dignity, every community experiences belonging, and all people can gather in faith without fear.
Issued jointly by:
General Commission on Religion and Race
New York Conference
North Georgia Conference
Western North Carolina Conference
Related resources:
The United Methodist Church Social Principles — Migrants, Immigrants and Refugees
UM News: Court revives suit to block ICE from churches — October 21, 2026
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About GCORR
The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is one of the general agencies of The United Methodist Church. GCORR equips the Church and its leaders to engage the work of racial justice, intercultural competency and institutional equity so that the Church may more fully reflect the diversity of the body of Christ.
Media Contact
Jeehye Kim
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General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR)
jpak@gcorr.org
www.gcorr.org