Immigration: Faithful Witness and Action

Best Practice

From Service to Solidarity: Unitarian Universalist (UU) Society of Black Hawk County, Cedar Falls, IA supports local immigrant family: After the devastating 2008 Postville, IA workplace raids that led to the arrest and deportation of more than 300 workers, the UU Society of Black Hawk County in Cedar Falls, IA has entered in to an interfaith partnership with other congregations and organizations to provide support and community for affected families. Beginning with service to one Guatemalan family, the congregation is developing a lasting relationship with a local Mennonite church, immigrant rights groups, and the immigrant community. Read the full story to learn the background and ways the congregation began this transformational journey.

Immigration Justice

Supporting human rights for all people, especially those most vulnerable, is a core Unitarian Universalist value. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has a long history of support for migrant workers, refugees, and other displaced peoples. "Immigration as a Moral Issue" is currently one of our congregational study/action issues.

• Find immigration resources to help you respond:
   
  • Restoring Trust: Breaking Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE’s) Hold on our Communities
     
  • "We are One" by UUA President Rev. Peter Morales, excerpted from A People So Bold (Skinner House, 2009)
     
  • Welcoming Our Neighbors (PDF, 12 pages)
    An Immigration Resource for Unitarian Universalists
     
  • Immigration Study Guide
    Study guide for "Immigration as a Moral Issue," our Congregational Study Action Issue for 2010-2014
     
  • Immigration News
    The UUA's newsletter/action alert on immigration: sign up to receive the monthly email or read the archives
     
  • Standing on the Side of Love: Take Action for Immigrant Families
    Resources and actions from the Standing on the Side of Love campaign
     
  • Webinars for Congregational Leaders on Immigrant Justice Ministries
    Best practices from outstanding congregational justice ministries, analysis of latest immigration policy, and presentations from partners including NDLON, UU State Advocacy Networks, New Sanctuary Movement and No More Deaths with actions and resources. 45-minute presentation with powerpoint, audio file, and transcript.
     
  • Immigration Reform Toolkit
    Everything you need to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform
     
  • Beacon Press Books on Immigration
     
  • For You Were Once a Stranger (PDF, 112 pages): Immigration in the U.S. through the Lens of Faith Handbook
     
  • Preparing for and Responding to Raids
     
  • There is Power in Union (PDF, 18 pages): A Unitarian Universalist Guide to Supporting Worker Justice
     
  • Theological Reflection: Sermons
     
  • Religious Education:
    • Films
    • Books
    • Songs
    • for Youth
       
  • Guidebooks and Toolkits from Secular Organizations and Interfaith Sources
     
  • Worship Materials
     
• See what other Congregations are doing.
   
• Join Interfaith and Community Partners or find other Organizations on Immigration.
   
• Advocate for Immigration Reform.
   
• Halt ICE ACCESS Programs.
   
• Stand on the Side of Love with immigrants and their families.