posted on November 21, 2018 by
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Joint Statement in Response to the Central American Migrant Caravans

November 7, 2018

Human migration is as old as human history. Individuals, families, tribes, and nations have been on the move since the days of Abraham and Sarah and before. Throughout the centuries, political and economic factors, including wars; health and environmental challenges; and racism, xenophobia, and religious discrimination have at times uprooted people and at others lured them to new venues across deserts, rivers, continents, oceans, and national and ethnic boundaries.

Today, migration is a critical international and at times a pressing national issue; a matter of last resort and no other choice for millions of human beings, and a desperate alternative to many who would rather stay where they are if conditions could permit safety and essentials for survival. In general terms, migrants today are those who by force or choice leave their regions of origin because of armed conflict, natural disaster, institutional or gang violence, development projects, human trafficking (including labor, sexual or drug trafficking) or extreme economic deprivation.  (Resolution of The United Methodist Church: Global Migration and the Quest for Justice)

These wise words describe what we see happening through the human caravan that began on October 12, 2018 with 160 brave souls who gathered and together began to journey as the migrants of old.  From Honduras to Guatemala and now to Mexico they have supported each other in their common suffering.  This caravan has grown to 7,000 and the latest reports is that these 7,000 have now formed 3 distinct caravans traveling across Mexico.  More than half of them are girls and women.  They did not want to leave their homes, but because of deadly poverty and violence, found themselves being forced to journey from death toward what they perceived to be their last hope for life.  Some have sought asylum in Mexico while others continue to travel to the U.S. to request asylum in this country.

These migrant sisters and brothers have been villainized, yet as we have sought to minister to them along their perilous journey, what we have seen on the whole is human beings of great courage and deep faith who have placed their lives in God’s hands as they seek the basic necessities for life – food and shelter for their children and above all, safety from those who seek to do them harm.  Their faith in God has strengthened our faith, and their human suffering has convicted our souls that we must accompany them and seek to advocate for their safety and their rights.

We stand together in demanding that the governments of our countries treat these migrants in ways that recognize and respect their God-given humanity, and with compassion and dignity.

While we respect the laws of our countries, we question whether the very laws, particularly the asylum laws of our countries, are fully being implemented in the cases of the migrants traveling in these caravans.  We call for the fair and just implementation of the asylum laws of our countries, and for all of us to be vigilant voices for the rights of migrants. [Read more…]

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posted on June 22, 2018 by
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CALL TO ACTION: Support Children and Immigrant Families

The concept of “family” is the foundation of the Hispanic / Latino culture. Sadly, more than 2,000 children have been separated from their families as a result of the new “zero tolerance” policy imposed by the United States government. This is an inhuman, immoral, unfair and racist policy. Babies snatched from their mothers crying without consolation, teenagers terrified in centers, or rather detention jails, are cruel scenes that fill us with horror and discouragement. Using immigrant children and young people as an instrument of bribery to negotiate the construction of a wall and to instill fear in a people that flee from violence and poverty is not ethical and attacks human dignity.

The commitment to love the foreigner and the poor is a central theme that stands out throughout the Old and New Testaments. Recently, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a United Methodist layman, used Romans 13:1 to justify unjust immigration policies imposed by the current administration. It is not the first time that Romans 13:1-7 is used to impose inhumane laws. In Hitler’s Germany, the Christians appealed to this biblical text to justify obedience to the Nazi regime. And in our country, many Christians used these texts to justify slavery and race segregation, among other unjust laws. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are not called to use the Scriptures to oppress the people. As Christians, we have to fulfill the two commandments that Jesus left us: love God, and our neighbor, as we do ourselves.

The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church appeal to the commitment to improve the quality of life of children, youth, women, men and immigrants, without violating their freedoms and human rights (paragraph 162 H of the Book of Discipline 2016). Since the 17th century, millions of immigrants came to the first colonies in the United States in search of freedom and better opportunities in a new country. Throughout history, the United States has been a nation that has welcomed more immigrants compared to other countries. But, unfortunately in recent decades, the history of immigration has been influenced to a large extent by racism and economic factors.

MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latino American) calls upon the United Methodist Church to serve as an instrument of radical hospitality, unity, justice and peace; paying attention to our realities, responding to the commandment of Jesus and maintaining our tradition of compassion. To begin a faithful and effective response to this issue, MARCHA recommends the following concrete actions.

CALL TO ACTION:

To our denomination:

  • We ask our bishops, as our spiritual leaders, to offer support and care for all immigrant families who have been impacted by the “zero tolerance” policy in their respective conferences and in the nation; and to advocate on behalf of children and young immigrants.
  • We invite our general agencies and commissions to continue the collaborative work with the United Methodist Immigration Task Force to fight racism, classism, xenophobia, misogyny, and all other forms of discrimination, oppression, and exclusion due to age and gender.
  • We ask general agencies and commissions of our denomination to collaborate with the churches of Mexico and Central America in the development of programs that provide protection to the immigrant and that, at the same time, create opportunities for study and work for the well-being of the families in the respective countries.

To the United Methodist people:

  • We ask our people to be MARCHA wherever they are, serving and working locally with community groups, caucuses at the local, conference and jurisdictional levels, as well as conference/jurisdictional Immigration Task Forces, ecumenical and interreligious coalitions, and other groups, to support already developed initiatives that advocate for children, young people and immigrant families. (www.umcjustice.org/news-and-stories/immigrant-family-separation-694)
  • We urge local churches to develop awareness programs to educate congregations about the importance of advocating for immigrant people.

(https://www.umcor.org/umcor/resources/news-stories/2018/june/0620umcor-statement-on-u-s-policy-on-asylum-seekers-and-their-children)

  • We motivate pastors and lay people to work with local and regional community groups and contact their congress and senate representatives to advocate for a comprehensive and just immigration reform that brings families together and provides political asylum to those fleeing from the violence and poverty of their countries of origin. (https://greateras1.org/take-action-tell-congress-to-stop-separating-families-protect-family-unity/)
  • We ask our congregations and community groups to communicate with MARCHA, using our social networks, to report incidents of discrimination and family separation. We have to be the voice of those who cannot defend themselves alone. (https://marchaumc.org/comunique-un-incidente/)
  • We ask all of you to join the great ecumenical and interreligious family in intersecting prayer, vigils and other gestures and attitudes of solidarity to show our faith commitment as we face this new challenge.

To President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions:

  • We demand that you use your power responsibly to unite immigrant families while they wait and complete their political asylum process. It is not enough to sign an executive order; it is imperative to find a way to connect thousands of minors with their respective families, without violating their dignity and their human rights.
  • We urge that economic resources and opportunities be invested in Central American countries to reduce violence, poverty and corruption, following the tradition of this country to provide humanitarian support in times of crisis.
  • We ask that you work and collaborate with the Congress and the Senate to implement a comprehensive and just immigration reform, without using the children and young immigrants as hostages or bribes to promote unjust and inhumane policies of fear. Immigrants are not criminals and they will not infect our country; on the contrary, they are willing to work, contribute and support their children.

 

LLAMADO A LA ACCIÓN:  APOYO A LOS NIÑ@S Y FAMILIAS INMIGRANTES

El concepto de “familia” es el fundamento de la cultura Hispana/Latina. Lamentablemente, más de 2,000 niñ@s han sido separad@s de sus familias como resultado de la nueva política de “cero tolerancia” impuesta por el gobierno de Estados Unidos. Esta política es inhumana, inmoral, injusta y racista. Bebés arrebatados de sus madres llorando sin consuelo, jovencit@s aterrorizados en centros, o más bien, cárceles de detención, son escenas crueles que nos llenan de horror y desaliento. Utilizar a l@s niñ@s y jóvenes inmigrantes como instrumento de soborno para negociar la construcción de un muro y para infundir el miedo a un pueblo que huye de la violencia y pobreza, no es ético y ataca a la dignidad humana.

El compromiso de amar al extranjero y a los pobres es un tema central que se destaca en todo el Antiguo y el Nuevo Testamento.  Recientemente, el fiscal general Jeff Sessions, un laico metodista unido, utilizó Romanos 13:1 para justificar políticas injustas de inmigración impuestas por la actual administración. No es la primera vez que Romanos 13:1-7 se utiliza para imponer leyes inhumanas. En la Alemania de Hitler, l@s cristian@s apelaron a este texto bíblico para la justificar la obediencia al régimen nazi. Y en nuestro país, much@s cristian@s utilizaron estos textos para justificar la esclavitud y la segregación de razas, entre otras leyes injustas. Como discípul@s de Jesucristo, no estamos llamados a utilizar las Escrituras para oprimir al pueblo. Como cristian@s, tenemos que cumplir con los dos mandamientos que nos dejó Jesús: amar a Dios, y a nuestro prójimo, como a nosotr@s mismos. 

Los Principios Sociales de la Iglesia Metodista Unida apelan al compromiso de mejorar la calidad de vida de l@s niñ@s, jóvenes, mujeres, hombres e inmigrantes, sin violar sus libertades y derechos humanos (párrafo 162 H del Libro de la Disciplina 2016). Desde el siglo 17, millones de inmigrantes vinieron a las primeras colonias de Estados Unidos en busca de libertad y mejores oportunidades en un nuevo país. A través de la historia, Estados Unidos ha sido una nación que le ha dado la bienvenida a más inmigrantes en comparación con otros países. Pero, desafortunadamente en las últimas décadas, la historia de inmigración ha sido influenciada en gran medida por el racismo y los factores económicos.

MARCHA (Metodistas Asociadas/os Representando la Causa Hispano/Latino Americana) hace un llamado a la Iglesia Metodista Unida para que sirva como instrumento de hospitalidad radical, unidad, justicia y paz; prestando atención a nuestras realidades, respondiendo al mandamiento de Jesús y manteniendo nuestra tradición de compasión. Para el comienzo de una respuesta fiel a esta situación, MARCHA recomienda las siguientes acciones concretas.

LLAMADO A LA ACCIÓN:

A nuestra denominación:

  • Solicitamos a nuestros obisp@s que como líderes espirituales ofrezcan apoyo y cuidado para todas las familias inmigrantes que han sido impactadas por la política de “cero-tolerancia” en sus respectivas conferencias y en la nación; y que aboguen en favor de l@s niñ@s y jóvenes inmigrantes.
  • Invitamos a que nuestras agencias y comisiones generales continúen el trabajo de colaboración con el United Methodist Inmigration Task Force para combatir el racismo, el clasismo, la xenofobia, la misoginia, y toda otra forma de discriminación, opresión y exclusión por edad y género.
  • Pedimos a las agencias y comisiones generales de nuestra denominación, que colaboren con las iglesias de México y Centro América en el desarrollo de programas que provean protección al inmigrante y que, a la misma vez, se creen oportunidades de estudio y trabajo para el bienestar de las familias en los respectivos países.

 Al pueblo metodista unido:

Al presidente Donald Trump y al fiscal general Jeff Sessions:

  • Demandamos que utilicen su poder con responsabilidad para unir a las familias inmigrantes mientras esperan y completan su proceso de asilo político. No es suficiente firmar una orden ejecutiva; es imperativo buscar la forma de reconectar miles de menores con sus respectivas familias, sin violar su dignidad y sus derechos humanos.
  • Urgimos a que se inviertan recursos económicos y oportunidades en los países de Centro América para disminuir la violencia, la pobreza y la corrupción, siguiendo la tradición de este país de brindar apoyo humanitario en momentos de crisis.
  • Pedimos que trabaje y colabore con el congreso y el senado para que se establezca una reforma migratoria comprensiva y justa, sin utilizar a los niñ@s y jóvenes inmigrantes como rehenes o soborno para promover políticas de miedo injustas e inhumanas. Los inmigrantes no son criminales y no infectarán a nuestro país, al contrario, vienen dispuest@s a trabajar, a aportar y a echar adelante a sus hij@s.
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posted on April 7, 2018 by
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MARCHA 2018 – Wrap Up and Reports


“Do everything possible to live in peace, so that you do not lose the unity that the Spirit gave you.” Ephesians 4:3 PAR

In a time when many forces threaten to pull us apart and of much uncertainty about the future, at MARCHA 2018 we heard God’s call to imagine a Way Forward, United in our Diversity. At this year’s gathering, we came together for meaningful times of worship, fellowship, learning, and generative conversations about how to cultivate genuine unity that honors and celebrates our multi-faceted diversity so that we can be a witness of Christ love, mercy and justice in a world in need of God’s healing.

“Hagan todo lo posible por vivir en paz, para que no pierdan la unidad que el Espíritu les dio.” Efesios 4:3 TLA

REPORTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

Program & Reports Booklet (PDF)

Resolution Recognizing the Ministry of Raquel Martinez (PDF)

VIDEOS

Presentation: Dr. Justo Gonzalez

Presentation: Way Forward Panel

Day 1: Wrap Up (Facebook)

Day 2: Wrap Up (Facebook)

PHOTO GALLERIES

HYLA 15th Anniversary Celebration

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posted on March 23, 2018 by
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Temporary Protected Status – A United Methodist Response

What is Temporary Protected Status?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS), established by Congress through the Immigration Act of 1990, allows individuals from certain countries to remain and work lawfully in the U.S. during a period in which it is deemed unsafe for nationals of that country to return home.  TPS is granted as a result of natural disaster, armed conflict, epidemic or other extraordinary conditions. Approximately 320,000 individuals in the U.S. from ten countries have TPS. In most cases, these TPS holders have lived here more than 15 years, during which time they have had U.S. citizen children, bought homes, built careers, and made the United States their home.

TPS does not provide a pathway to citizenship. Instead, it makes available the right to be in the United States legally which protects recipients from deportation. Those with TPS can also apply for a work permit, which gives the recipient the ability to pursue lawful employment. Also, individuals from the designated countries cannot come to the U.S. and then apply for TPS. The foreign national had to be in the U.S. at the time of the original TPS designation.

Where does TPS stand now?

 The Trump Administration has begun terminating this program. The majority of TPS recipients are from El Salvador (195,000), Honduras (57,000), and Haiti (50,000). El Salvador and Haiti have recently received 18-month terminations, meaning their status will be revoked in the summer and fall of 2019, respectively. Honduras has received a 6-month extension, so the next decision date for their TPS program is May 4, 2018. Nicaragua and Sudan have also been cancelled.  The majority of individuals with TPS are not eligible to apply for another form of relief. Thus, once their TPS is cancelled they will be considered undocumented, no longer allowed to work lawfully, and be subject to deportation. The financial cost to ending TPS is significant.  Not only would these individuals be no longer able to contribute to the U.S. economy, deporting TPS holders from El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti alone would cost over $3 billion. See the attached chart for an overview of the ten countries that have TPS and where the program stands.

The Human Impact: Meet Marco

“The truth is, I feel very sad,” says Marco, a school custodian in Fairfax County, Virginia, upon learning that TPS was being terminated for El Salvador.  Marco is a longtime Justice for Our Neighbors client and TPS holder. “I left El Salvador nearly 30 years ago because of the Civil War, and I have lived here all these years,” he explains. “I work day and night so my two children can have a good future. They were born here and this is their country. I wasn’t born here, but I feel like this is my country, too.”

 Why Should This Matter for United Methodists?

The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.—Leviticus 19:34

We recognize, embrace, and affirm all persons, regardless of country of origin, as members of the family of God. — United Methodist Social Principles, ¶162.H

While it is true that this program is couched as temporary, we cannot ignore that over 15+ years TPS recipients have become our family members, neighbors, friends, teachers and community members. Over 270,000 U.S. citizen children have been born to those with TPS. The termination of TPS means pulling longstanding residents from their jobs, homes, and families and deporting them to countries that are still unsafe.  For example, in El Salvador more than 20% of families have been the victims of gang-related violence. Haiti suffers from a cholera epidemic as well as the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in 2016, which has affected more than 2 million residents. As people of faith, we must lift our voices in support of our sisters and brothers with TPS and demand a permanent legislative solution that provides an opportunity to become naturalized U.S citizens. 

What Can We Do?

Contact Your Legislators. United Methodists can urge their members of Congress to enact legislation that would enable TPS recipients to remain in the United States lawfully and permanently, including the ability to attain U.S. citizenship.  Tell Congress to protect TPS holders and #SaveTPS. Please dial (202) 224-3121 and call three times (once for your Representative and once for each of your Senators). You can also tweet: “@SENATOR/REPRESENTATIVE Declare your support for #TPS holders & legislation to protect them from deportation #SaveTPS #GreaterAs1”.

Spread the Word. Visit our partners at the Interfaith Immigration Coalition for sample social media messaging, as well as sample scripts for your legislative calls.

Volunteer. Serve at a United Methodist Justice for Our Neighbors clinic near you where you can assist TPS holders and other immigrants seeking immigration legal services.

Host a Prayer Vigil. By hosting a prayer vigil, people of faith are given an opportunity to reflect on the deep scriptural, spiritual roots of our work to support immigrants’ rights and highlight the real-life consequences of policy decisions, like ending TPS. Prayer Vigils are part of a larger strategy to express to our elected officials in Congress that protecting our immigrant family members and friends is a priority for people of faith.

Current State of TPS in the US

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posted on March 1, 2018 by
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MFSA seeks new Executive Director

The Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA), a 110 year old justice-seeking faith based policy and organizing network, seeks a full time Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for advancing the mission and vision of MFSA, working in collaboration with the Board of Directors and Program Council to build the strategy for MFSA’S future and lead/manage its grassroots organizing, administration, staff, and communication.

 Click here for more info and a detailed job description.

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posted on January 30, 2018 by
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MARCHA Statement on Current DACA Debate in Congress

1/29/2018  – “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him(her), for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt” – Exodus 22:21

MARCHA, Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans, is deeply concerned with the inability of Congress to provide the just and necessary protection to the 800,000 youth who participated in the DACA Program. Young persons that were brought into the US by their parents at a very early age, through no choice of their own, who have lived most of their lives in the US and consider our country their nation. Young people who have grown up to be responsible members of society, many of them members of United Methodist congregations and transformational leaders in our denomination and the community.

MARCHA denounces the political game that plays with the lives of these young people, creating great anxiety and fear of deportation to a country that they do not know or claim as their own. The action of ending the DACA program without providing for a way to protect the 800,000 participants was mean and cruel. Such action made these law-abiding youth clear targets of ICE and the aggressive immigration raids now taking place across the nation.

We believe that when a country and its leaders are not willing to protect its children and youth, the most vulnerable persons of society, it represents a sign of moral decay that could lead to the moral bankruptcy of the nation.

MARCHA calls on all United Methodist and people of good will to contact their Representatives and Senators and demand they do what is right, ethical and moral and pass a DREAM Act that protects the lives of all DACA-eligible young people in the United States.

Click here for a DACA Action Toolkit and other resources on immigration.

 

Contact Person: Bishop Elias Galvan, Executive Director (galvan222@msn.com)

 

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posted on December 14, 2017 by
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MARCHA x Puerto Rico – Aguinaldo Navideño

MARCHA is walking in solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico, alongside the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico, bringing hope and the joy of the Christmas/Epiphany Season to children from most impacted communities and all clergy of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico.

You can join us in this movement of agape love;

1. Pray for the people of Puerto Rico and the church

2. Sponsor a child in the island with a $20 gift for a Three Kings Day’s Toy

MARCHA invites you to be part of this toys drive.  Toys will be given to children of several Methodist churches in Puerto Rico well affected by Hurricane María. Select a name, pray for that child, send a message, and donate $20.  With your contribution, this child will receive your message and a toy for “Three Kings’ Day.”

Click here to make your $20 gift for a child

3. Sponsor a pastor of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico with a $30 gift as a token of appreciation 

MARCHA invites you to send an “aguinaldo” (Puerto Rican gift) to each of the more than 100 pastors of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico.   Members of MARCHA will go to Puerto Rico to give a “parranda navideña” (Puerto Rican Christmas Carols) to all the pastors affected by Hurricane Maria.  Select a name of a pastor, pray  for him or her, send a message and donate $30.  With your contribution, we will present a token of appreciation to each of the clergy who are working tirelessly to provide relief, spiritual and emotional support in their communities.

Click here to make your $30 gift for a pastor

4. Join a mission team that will travel to Puerto Rico to distribute gifts to children and pastors. 

MARCHA invites you to be part of a parranda navideña (Puerto Rican Christmas Carols) to bring joy to the pastors of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico and the children of several congregations affected by Hurricane María.  Each person must assume their travel expenses to arrive at the Luis Muñoz Marín Airport in San Juan.  The group will stay at the Los Angeles Methodist Church in Carolina – $15 per night. A work team in Puerto Rico will help with local transportation and logistics. A Registration of $50 is requested.  Select in which week (or weeks) you are willing to serve.

Click here to sign up for a mission team

For more information, contact Rev. Lyssette N. Pérez at lyssetteperez@yahoo.com 

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posted on October 6, 2017 by
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MARCHA For Puerto Rico – Call to Action

The aftermath of Hurricane Maria’s passage through Puerto Rico has created a humanitarian crisis that aggravated existing problems in the island’s economy, health, and education systems. At the moment, 34 deaths related to this phenomenon of nature have been reported. This has been the worst catastrophe of the century leaving the Puerto Rican people without water, food, electricity, health services, transportation and communications. There are people who were stripped of their homes, their jobs and most of the people were in communication with their loved ones and the outside world. In addition, animal deaths and near total loss of crops have been reported. The Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rosselló, estimated that the total losses will ascend to more than $95 thousand million.

The US government has been criticized for not doing more to respond on time and serving the more than 3.4 million American citizens residing on the island. However, we have witnessed how the Puerto Rican people, the Puerto Rican diaspora, celebrities, government officials and countless supporters have come together to collaborate in the midst of this crisis.

The People of the United Methodist Church are people “rooted in our hope” and committed to our church being a “tree planted near the waters.”  The verse of Job 14: 7, which says: “For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that its tender shoots will not cease;” inspires us to labor knowing that our hope is that Puerto Rico will be reborn again. [Read more…]

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posted on September 6, 2017 by
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Call to Action: Support for Dreamers & DACA

MARCHA supports and join the Immigration Task Force of the United Methodist Church in their Call to Action regarding President Trump’s decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provides undocumented immigrants young employment authorization, which allows them to obtain a social security card, work and go to school. Rooted in our Hope, we will continue to work for a comprehensive immigration reform that provides a fair path to citizenship to undocumented immigrants and keep families together.

A Call to Action to The United Methodist Churches in the U.S.

September 5, 2017

We have learned that President Trump is considering rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) which presently provides undocumented immigrant young people employment authorization.  Under DACA young people are able to obtain social security cards, work and go to school.

Since DACA’s inception in June 2012, almost 800,000 young people have received its benefits.  Many other young people who qualified for DACA did not come forth for a number of reasons.  Some did not trust that they would be safe if they came forward to request DACA, fearing deportation.  Others did not have the funds to pay for the fees or the legal help they needed to apply.  Some simply did not have the support systems to help them take the steps to apply for DACA.

DACA recipients have been able to work and support themselves and their families.  Economic studies have clearly shown that they have significantly contributed to the economy of the country. They have been able to go to school and prepare for their future, futures that have the potential of strengthening the well-being of the many communities where they live.   As DACA young people will share, they received hope and the opportunity to be useful and productive. [Read more…]

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posted on August 15, 2017 by
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MARCHA 2017 – Enraizados en nuestra Esperanza (resumen)

8/15/2017, Dallas TX – Durante los días del 10 al 13 de agosto de 2017, tuvo lugar la 46ta. Asamblea Anual de MARCHA, el caucus oficial Hispano/Latinxs en la Iglesia Metodista Unida y la Iglesia Metodista (IMU) de Puerto Rico. El evento, el cual se llevó a cabo en el Hotel Magnolia Dallas en colaboración con la Escuela de Teología de Perkins/SMU y otros patrocinadores, celebró el 25to. Aniversario del Plan Nacional para Ministerios Hispano/Latinos de la Iglesia Metodista Unida (NPHLM), producto del trabajo de abogacía de MARCHA.

La actividad, a la cual asistieron 325+ personas provenientes de 38 conferencia y todas las jurisdicciones de la IMU, PR y CIEMAL, y en la que participaron, líderes conferenciales, pastores/as, laicos/as, superintendentes, directores de ministerios conexionales y 10 obispos/as, se desarrolló bajo el tema “Enrraizados en nuestra Esperanza / Rooted in our Hope”. El tema, sirvió como plataforma para reflexionar en los logros, realidades, retos y oportunidades del pueblo Hispano/Latino en la iglesia y sociedad.  [Read more…]

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posted on August 15, 2017 by
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MARCHA Statement on Acts of Violence and Hate in Charlottesville, VA

08/15/2017 – MARCHA, Methodist Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans, condemns the senseless violence displayed in recent days in Charlottesville VA and that is erupting in other locations throughout the US. We mourn the death of a young woman and two police officers in VA, stands in solidarity with their families, and pray for the many injured in this despicable act of hate.

As Christians, we denounce all acts of violence, discrimination and hate. As Hispanic/Latinx we are alarmed and concerned by the increase of white supremacist, neo-Nazis and alt-right groups that promote hate and violence against people of color and other social and religious minorities in the US. Racism, whether it manifests through hateful words or violent acts, is a sin and a destructive force in society.  [Read more…]

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posted on August 15, 2017 by
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Conferencias Anuales 2017 Aprueban Resoluciones sobre Inmigración

En once de las conferencias anuales de la Iglesia Metodista Unida, entre los meses de mayo a junio del 2017, fueron aprobadas por unanimidad Resoluciones en apoyo al inmigrante. Uniendose a otras que en el pasado han echo lo mismo.

MARCHA, el Caucus Nacional Metodista Unido Representando la Causa Hispano-Latinoamericana encomienda y felicita la ardua labor que las 11 conferencias que a través de la nación trabajaron arduamente para que los derechos y la dignidad de las personas inmigrantes sean respetadas. [Read more…]

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posted on April 1, 2017 by
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MARCHA 2017 | Dallas TX | Aug 10-13,2017

 WELCOME TO MARCHA 2017

MARCHA 2017 will be a historic gathering as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the National Hispanic/Latino Plan of the United Methodist Church, and rooted in God’s hope, together set a prophetic vision for the future of the Hispanic/Latino community, congregations and leaders in the United Methodist Church and beyond.

When: August 10-13, 2017

Where: Perkins School of Theology, Dallas Texas

Click the link below to see detailed information about speakers and the agenda.

(This link will redirect you to the event website hosted by the NHLP)

Click here to Register for MARCHA 2019

 Registration Fee

Early Bird (5/20 – 6/1): $200 / $100 (Seminarian/Youth)

Regular (6/2 to 7/11): $250 / $125 (Seminarian/ Youth)

Late (7/12 – 8/1): $300 / $150 (Seminarian/ Youth)

On Site: $350 / $175 (Seminarian/ Youth)

The registration fee includes participation in all plenaries and small group work, materials and one (1) ticket to the Leadership Celebration Banquet. Additional tickets can be bought during registration.

MARCHA Membership

During the registration process, participants will have the opportunity to become a member of MARCHA. The members hip fee give persons the right to vote in all matters pertaining our caucus, and support the advocacy and leadership development ministries of MARCHA.

Official Hotel for MARCHA 2017

The Magnolia Hotel Dallas Park Cities is the newest addition to the Dallas/SMU area. Their central location provides easy access to Downtown Dallas, Southern Methodist University, Fair Park/Cotton Bowl, American Airlines Center and so much more. Stroll down Greenville Avenue, through Victory Park, or shop till you drop at North Park Mall. Mockingbird Station is walking distance from the hotel and provides plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment. MARCHA has secured a special price for our event of $118 per night – double occupancy. The special group rate will be available only until 7/11/2017. After this date, you can still make a reservation at the hotel rate calling: 214-750-6060.

Hotel provides a shuttle that runs within a 3 mile radius of the hotel plus Love Field Airport from 6:30 am until 10:00 pm. Each guest is invited to call the main number of the hotel at 214-750-6060 and request pick up.

   

    

 Best airports for MARCHA 2017

There are two main airport options for MARCHA 2017

  • DFW – has less expensive and more airlines. Requires a $30-35 Uber ride to the MARCHA hotel.
  • Love Field – has Southwest Airlines, but limited other airlines. Requires a $15-20 Uber ride to the MARCHA Hotel. Magnolia Hotel Hotel provides a shuttle to/from Love Field Airport from 6:30 am until 10:00 pm. Each guest is invited to call the main number of the hotel at 214-750-6060 and request pick up.

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Filed Under: Noticias
posted on February 26, 2017 by
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MARCHA provee recursos sobre el Movimiento Santuario para Inmigrantes

MARCHA respalda el movimiento de santuarios para inmigrantes que esta re-emergiendo en los Estados Unidos. El mismo, es una respuesta fiel al llamado divino a cuidar al inmigrante y abogar en favor de los más vulnerables y marginados por la sociedad, eclesiástica y civil. Visite esta página frecuentemente para recursos actualizados.

FIRME – Haga un compromiso con el movimiento de Resistencia y Santuario para Inmigrantes.

TOOLKIT – Movimiento Santuario (Inglés) cortesía de GBCS

TOOLKIT – Como organizar su congregación Como “Immigrant Welcoming”- cortesía de GBCS

TOOLKIT – Respondiendo a las Redadas Migratorias

TOOLKIT – Como organizar una Coalición para el Movimiento Santuario

HANDOUT – Como convertase en una iglesia Santuario – (from Beloved Community) – added 3/2/2017

LITURGY – Inmigración y Refugiados/as – (from Beloved Community) – added 3/2/2017

TOOLKIT – Paquete Informativo para Familias Inmigrantes Indocumentadas – añadido 3/29/2017

 

Filed Under: Noticias Tagged With: , , , ,
posted on December 20, 2016 by
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MARCHA urge al Concilio de Obispos y Agencias de la IMU a brindar apoyo a comunidades minoritarias

Recientemente, el Consejo Directivo de MARCHA se dirigió al Concilio de Obispos de la Iglesia Metodista Unida y los Secretarios/as Generales de las principales agencias de nuestra denominación para urgirles a proveer liderato ante el ambiente hostil que se ha desatado en contra de las comunidades minoritarias y étnicas durante y después del proceso eleccionario en los EEUU.

En su comunicación, MARCHA invitó a los obispos a apoyar el ministerio de “santuarios” en las iglesias locales de sus respectivas áreas episcopales. Además, pidió a los secretarios generales de las agencias metodistas unidas a coordinar sus esfuerzos para producir recursos prácticos que empoderen a las iglesias locales que están y desean hacer ministerio con estas comunidades. MARCHA está comprometida a caminar con el pueblo como un agente catalítico de justicia, paz y equidad.

Puede leer las cartas a continuación:

–          Carta de MARCHA a concilio de obispo – movimiento santuario.

–          Carta de MARCHA a secretarios generales IMU

Filed Under: Noticias, YNews Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
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