The Church Responds to Syrian Refugees

Below are excerpts and links to news stories from The United Methodist Church and it's response to the Syrian refugee crisis. Churches ready to sponsor Syrian refugee families TOPEKA, Kan. (UMNS) — At least 35 United Methodist congregations in Kansas and Nebraska have agreed to sponsor one or more Syrian refugee families when immigration to the U.S. becomes possible, Bishop Scott J. Jones, Great Plains Conference, announced at a Nov. 20 press conference. Todd Seifert, the conference’s director of communications, reports. Read story  Religious leaders appeal to Mass. governor BOSTON (UMNS) — United Methodist Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference, was among the eight religious leaders who signed a letter written by the Massachusetts Council of Churches urging Gov. Charlie Baker to reconsider his statements regarding Syrian refugees. Read letter UMCOR helps refugees with winter chill in Jordan NEW YORK (UMNS) — As winter approaches, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is providing winterization kits — food parcels, blankets, and rugs — to some of the more than half a million Syrian refugees in Jordan. The kits are being distributed through UMCOR’s partnership with International Orthodox Christian Charities. David Tereshchuk reports for UMCOR. Read story Seeking refuge across the sea NEW YORK (UMNS) — Photojournalist Paul Jeffrey has heard stories from refugees making their way through Europe in recent months, but the United Methodist missionary wanted to see where many started that arduous journey. So he went to Greece, where a record number arrived by sea in October. Linda Bloom has the story. Read story and post a comment Speaking out for Syrian refugees DALLAS (UMNS) — Some United Methodists are protesting calls by U.S. governors to close borders to Syrian refugees after the Paris terrorist attacks. Bishop Gary Mueller of the Arkansas Conference agreed with the need for stepped-up security, but said “it solves nothing to categorically exclude a group of people whose lives have been torn apart.” Sam Hodges reports. Read story and post a comment