posted on March 7, 2020 by
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REGIONALIZATION AND PROTOCOL FIRST: Request from Inter-Ethnic Coalition to General Conference

IESDG (Inter-Ethnic Strategy and Development Group) requests and urges the Commission on General Conference that the legislation on regionalization coming from Central Conferences, be the first matter to be deliberated in General Conference 2020, followed by the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation.  

All the plans and legislations offered for considerations to our General Conference this year are intricate and complex.  As such, it mandates an incremental and intentional process in order to provide a space for constructive conferencing and discernment that will allow a gracious path forward. 

IESDG is also asking that the Commission on General Conference take such action as necessary to include all other supplementary legislations and priorities, as dictated by these primary petitions.

“We need to give priority to the Christmas Covenant petitions coming from our Central Conferences, if we truly want to be a Global Church that is connected for mission and at the same time promotes self-determination and equity in each of our different contexts,” says Rev. Lyssette N. Perez, Chair of IESDG and President of MARCHA.

IESDG is working together with all the Racial Ethnic United Methodist plans. All the caucuses are in support of the recommended process. 

“I support the process of regionalization and the protocol because it aligns with the mission, vision, and values of BMCR,” says Deborah Dangerfield of BMCR, Inc.

IESDG represents the five (5) national racial ethnic caucuses of The United Methodist Church:

  • Black Methodist for Church Renewal (BMCR)
  • Methodist Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latino American (MARCHA)
  • National Federation of Asian American United Methodists (NFAAUM)
  • Native American International Caucus (NAIC)
  • Pacific Islander National Caucus of United Methodists (PINCUM)

Since its inception in 1992, IESDG have endeavored to remain true to the charge, “to strategize toward the renewal of The UMC in recognition of the gifts of racial/ethnic minority persons and to advocate for justice ministries within the Church and the world,” among other things.  IESDG feels the great urgency of the time and it is committed to continue to seek God’s preferred future.

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posted on October 8, 2019 by
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MARCHA Sunday is Here! 10/13/2019

MARCHA 48th Annual Meeting held in Philadelpia, PA on August under the theme The Extraordinary Power of God: Tesoros en Vasos de Barro led us to a communal reflection and strategic work on ways to leverage the extraordinary power of God as Hispanic/Latinos. Aknowledging our weakeness and vulnerabilities but rendering ourselves to the extraordinary power of God to serve our people as a movement that promotes respect of human rights as well as a commitment to peace, justice, liberty and equality.

Everyone one who raise their voice for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40, CBS) is MARCHA. Through your actions and statements you have been part of this work, and today we invite you and your congregation to celebrate the work that MARCHA does by celebrating “MARCHA Sunday” on Sunday October 13 (you can choose to do it on a different Sunday according to the availability of your church’s calendar).

MARCHA was organized in 1970 and held its first national meeting on 1971, yet people in the pews of know very little about our organization and the significant ministry that MARCHA has implemented in our denomination through the years. We invite you to list some examples of how MARCHA had contributed to your jurisdiction, conference and church and taking a few minutes during the worship service to speak about MARCHA and its ministry.

You can also present the short video What is MARCHA? Click here

CLICK HERE for more resources to promote MARCHA Sunday.

Your local church can send their free will MARCHA Sunday offering to the MARCHA Treasurer where your offering will be received and acknowledged, as follows:

Raul Alegria, Treasurer

MARCHA

241 Circle View Drive

Franklin, TN 37067

MARCHA’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is 74-2785218.

Please remember that much of the programs and resources that our Latino congregations enjoy today are the result of the work of advocacy of MARCHA. Many of the opportunities in education and employment that are now in place in the UMC for Latinos are also, in a large part, a result of the work of MARCHA across the years. Visit www.marchaumc.org to read about MARCHA’s vision and mission. The future ministry of MARCHA depends on you and persons like you who are committed to Hispanic/Latino Ministries within our beloved Church.

May our loving God bless you and your ministry abundantly.

In Christ service,

Bishop Elias Galvan, Executive Director

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posted on August 5, 2019 by
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MARCHA Laments Violent Deaths in Texas and Ohio

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

MARCHA, Methodist Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans, laments the loss of precious lives to hate and violence over the past 24 hours in El Paso Texas and Dayton Ohio. We pray for peace and comfort for the families and communities mourning these senseless murders.

We are alarmed by how the evils of white supremacy, racism and xenophobia continue to rapidly spread through all levels of our nation and society, and the lack of leadership of those in positions of power and influence to address them effectively.

Rooted in our core values and commitment to the gospel,

We call all United Methodist and other people of faith and good will to pray for all impacted by these horrific acts of violence and demand our elected leaders to address these issues with urgency.

We call the General Conference of The United Methodist Church to unequivocally denounce the evil of White Supremacy and declare it incompatible with Christian teachings.

And, we call the US Congress and the President to enact federal legislation that set stronger gun controls policies including comprehensive background checks and mental health assessments.

MARCHA’s prayer

For those lost to hate and violence and the communities mourning in Texas and Ohio, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the first responders and caregivers, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the people of the USA, resurrect our instincts to honor our common humanity and our compassion to the suffering of our neighbor, beyond empty words. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those in positions of power and influence, grant them the will and courage to protect life over “freedom” to kill. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Person: Bishop Elias Galvan, Galvan222@msn.com 7

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posted on April 14, 2019 by
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MARCHA 2019 – WRAP UP

Welcome

Methodist Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic American, met August 1-4, 2019 in Philadelphia PA.

“The Extraordinary Power of God: Tesoros en Vasos de Barro”. During this year’s gathering, we dived deeply into a time of communal reflection and strategic work on ways to leverage the extraordinary power of God as Hispanic/Latinos. We are, as “vasijas de barro”, ordinary, prone to brake, but God’s extraordinary power is present and active within us and through us. That’s why, like the Apostle Paul, even when we are afflicted in every way, we are not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken, struck done, but not destroyed. Even in this time of crisis, as United Methodists we stand strong in God’s extraordinary power acting within us, and through us for faith, hope, justice and peace.

News Articles

Hispanic-Latino voice needed at GC2020

100 Images from MARCHA 2019

MARCHA Laments Violent Deaths in Texas and Ohio

Caucus hispano-latino se prepara para afrontar cambios en la iglesia

Caucus hispano-latino se prepara para enfrentar mudanças na igreja

Pastora Dorlimar Lebrón: los jóvenes no vamos a esperar a que la denominación se ponga de acuerdo

FROM CIEMAL

A las iglesias metodistas en América Latina y el Caribe

A la Sociedad Civil y Autoridades Nacionales

Videos

OPENNING WORSHIP – Preacher, Pastor Dorlimar Lebrón

SCRIPTURE: The Extraordinary Power of God, Dr. Ediberto Lopez

TRADITION: Conflict in the United Methodist Church, a historical perspective, Dr. Eliezer Valentín

EXPERIENCE: Clay Jars – reactions to Special General Conference 2019

REASON: Presentation on Future Methodism Plans

WRAP UP Video – MARCHA 2019

MARCHA Calls for a New Methodism

The following is the fruit of the work of the assembly during Marcha 2019. This values, essentials and principles will guide the work of MARCHA into the future.

PDF Version

WHO WE ARE

MARCHA is the National Hispanic/Latino Caucus within the United Methodist Church and the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico. MARCHA’s mission is to be an instrument of advocacy and support to ensure that the contributions and cultural values of the Hispanic / Latino community are appreciated in the church and society.

OUR ESSENTIALS

Our vision for the future of Methodism is rooted in the following essentials;

  • Christ-centered personal and social holiness
  • Dignity and sacred value of all creation
  • Diversity as a gift from God
  • Racism is incompatible with Christian teachings
  • Our voice must be on the table as equals
  • We work for equity, not equality
  • We support structures that intentionally embody our values

OUR UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FUTURE OF METHODISM

Our unique contributions to the future of Methodism include;

OUR CORE VALUES

As we engage the church and larger society to advocate on behalf of the Hispanic/Latino community, we are guided by the following common values;

  • The Mission: We celebrate the richness of our Wesleyan tradition and its emphasis on God’s amazing grace. We are committed to the mission of the United Methodist Church of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by sharing the good news of the gospel through words and deeds that bring about healing and wholeness.
  • Peace with Justice: We affirm the dignity and sacred worth of all persons, as created in the image of God. We stand in solidarity with the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized. And, we seek to build a community that embodies peace, justice and equity for all people.
  • Unity in Diversity: We honor and respect our rich diversity as a gift from God. We celebrate the contributions and cultural values of all persons that enrich our common human experience. And, we seek, as members of the Body of Christ, to live in unity amid our diversity.

OUR MINISTRY

MARCHA works within the United Methodist Church and The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico to; 

  • Advocate for the Hispanic/ Latino community in and outside the church so they can reach their full God-given potential
  • Affirm the dignity and respect of the Hispanic/Latino people
  • Accompany the people as they organize for advocacy
  • Create spaces for theological reflection on issues that impact the Hispanic/Latino community
  • Promote the respect for human rights, the commitment to peace and justice, and freedom and equity in the church and society
  • Solidarize with the churches and peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Collaborate with other ethnic-racial and ecumenical groups in our common pursue of peace with justice for all of God’s people
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posted on February 28, 2019 by
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MARCHA Post Special General Conference 2019 Statement

Conferencia General Especial de la Iglesia Metodista Unida, St. Lous MO

The Special General Conference of the United Methodist Church met in St. Louis, MO on February 24-26, 2019 to discuss proposals on the position of the denomination on the issue of homosexuality. The legislative body approved the “Traditionalist Plan” with a margin of only 28 votes, which affirms the current policies of our Book of Discipline that prohibits same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy.

The “Traditionalist Plan” was preferred by the Assembly over the “One Church Plan” which would have delegated the discernment on this matter to the annual conferences, congregations and clergy. This, had it been supported by the delegates, would have allowed more contextual expressions of the Methodist movement through our global connection. Legislation approved by the General Conference was sent to the Judicial Council of the Methodist Church for constitutional review.

The outcome of the General Conference makes it clear that our denomination is broken and seriously divided on the issue of homosexuality, including the Hispanic / Latino people. The emotions produced by the debate and the reactions to the decision of the General Conference have opened wounds that will take a long time to heal.

Faced with the uncertainty about the future that the decisions of the General Conference create, MARCHA reaffirms its commitment to work for an expression of unity in the church that transcends our theological differences and finds its beginning and end in the perfect bond of the love God, as it has been revealed to us in Jesus.

In addition, we reaffirm our mission to be an instrument of justice that:

  • Affirms and advocates for respect for the dignity of the Hispanic / Latino people inside and outside the church.
  • Stimulates the creation of spaces for reflection on the Hispanic / Latino pastoral.
  • Promotes respect for human rights, commitment to peace and justice, freedom and equality.
  • Solidarizes with the churches and peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean and with other peoples.
  • And, works in solidarity with other ethnic-racial and ecumenical groups.

MARCHA more than an organization, it is a family. And as in every family, we are aware that within our membership and the United Methodist people Hispanic / Latino, there are different opinions about homosexuality. Even so, in our diversity, we proclaim our unity in Christ and the importance of it to carry out the important work of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

MARCHA will continue working to ensure that the contributions and cultural values ​​of the Hispanic / Latino people are received and appreciated in the church and society, with the passion and integrity that we have done for the past 40 years.

At this time, we call on the Methodist people to join in prayer and reflection, and to be instruments of peace, hope, understanding, healing and justice.

We all are MARCHA – Todos somos MARCHA.

Rev. Lyssette Pérez, President

Bishop Elias Galván, Executive Director

ESPAÑOL

La Conferencia General Especial de la Iglesia Metodista Unida se reunió en St. Louis, MO los días de. 24-26 de febrero de 2019 para discutir propuestas sobre la postura de la denominación en el tema de la homosexualidad. El cuerpo legislativo, aprobó el “Plan Tradicionalista” con un margen de tan sólo 28 votos, el cual afirma las políticas actuales de nuestro Libro de Disciplina que prohíbe el matrimonio de personas del mismo sexo y la ordenación de cleros LGBTQ.

El “Plan Tradicionalista” fue preferido por la Asamblea sobre el “Plan de Unidad” el cual hubiera delegado el discernimiento sobre este asunto a las conferencias anuales, congregaciones y clérigo. Esto, de haber sido apoyado por los delegados, hubiera permitido expresiones del movimiento metodista más contextuales a través de nuestra conexión global. La legislación aprobada por la Conferencia General fue enviada a el Concilio Judicial de la Iglesia Metodista para revisión constitucional.

El desenlace de la Conferencia General deja claro que nuestra denominación esta quebrantada y seriamente dividida sobre el asunto de la homosexualidad, incluyendo el pueblo hispano/latino. Las emociones producidas por el debate y las reacciones a la decisión de la Conferencia General han abierto heridas que tomarán mucho tiempo en sanar.

Ante la incertidumbre sobre el futuro que las decisiones de la Conferencia General crean, MARCHA reafirma su compromiso de trabajar por una expresión de unidad en la iglesia, que trascienda nuestras diferencias teológicas, y que encuentre su comienzo y final en el vínculo perfecto del amor de Dios, según nos ha sido revelado en Jesús.

Además, reafirmamos nuestra misión de ser un instrumento de justicia que:

  • Afirma y aboga por el respeto a la dignidad del pueblo hispano/latino dentro y fuera de la iglesia.
  • Estimula la creación de espacios de reflexión sobre la pastoral hispana/Latina. Promueve el respeto a los derechos humanos, el compromiso con la paz y la justicia, la libertad y la igualdad.
  • Se solidariza con las iglesias y pueblos de América Latina y el Caribe y con otros pueblos.
  • Y, trabaja solidariamente con otros grupos étnico-raciales y ecuménicos.

MARCHA más que una organización, es una familia. Y como en toda familia, estamos conscientes que dentro de nuestra membresía y el pueblo metodista unido hispano/latino, existen diferentes opiniones sobre el tema de la homosexualidad. Aun así, en nuestra diversidad, proclamamos nuestra unidad en Cristo y la importancia de esta para poder llevar a cabo el importante trabajo de hacer discípulos/as de Jesucristo para la transformación del mundo.

MARCHA continuará trabajando para asegurar que las contribuciones y valores culturales del pueblo hispano/latino sean recibidas y apreciadas en la iglesia y la sociedad, con la pasión e integridad que lo hemos hecho por los pasados 40 años.

En este tiempo, hacemos un llamado al pueblo metodista unido a la oración y reflexión, y a ser instrumentos de paz, esperanza, entendimiento, sanidad y justicia.

Todos somos MARCHA.

Rev. Lyssette Perez, Presidenta

Obispo Elías Galván, Director Ejecutivo

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posted on February 26, 2019 by
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IESDG Statement at Special Called General Conference 2019

We celebrate our baptismal vow to live out our call as members of The United Methodist Church (UMC). We represent over twenty racial ethnic communities who are making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Even here in St. Louis, as the special called General Conference struggles to find a way forward, the Inter-Ethnic Strategy & Development Group (IESDG), representing the five racial ethnic caucuses of the UMC continues to boldly declare that the Church is yet alive. And as there is one Body, so we pledge to continue to heed Jesus Christ’s call for unity (John 17:21-23). As the church deliberates, please consider the following:

  • We celebrate the diversity that racial ethnic people bring to the UMC. We bring a multitude of theology, history, tradition, language, experience, spirituality, generations and other gifts to the connection. But though we are many, our strength lies in our unity, in our ability to strengthen the entire body. We deplore any actions from this General Conference that threaten to destroy that unity.
  • We celebrate a theology of hope. Racial ethnic Methodists know all too well the pain and suffering of living through generations of racism, classism, and other forms of oppression and exclusions. We lament the fact that at times the Church has been silent. We deplore any actions of this General Conference that seek to destroy the sacred worth of anyone, and to exclude them from full participation in God’s holy church.
  • We celebrate the missions that we have been blessed to be a part of. We are present on the ground and continue to seek to undo residual effect of historical and traditional unjust policies and practices that disproportionately affect racial ethnic people. Irrespective of what will be decided here, we will continue to be the church, living out our calls in prisons, on the borders, on the streets, and in other areas where darkness threatens to prevail.
  • We celebrate the many parts of this worldwide connection. We are grateful for the actions of the church in supporting racial ethnic ministries through the racial ethnic ministry plans of the UMC, the work of the general agencies, and our many partners throughout the connections. We oppose any actions of this General Conference that will have adverse effects on these programs.
  • We celebrate a narrative of church growth within The UMC in the United States. As you deliberate, please remember that your decisions will have lasting fiscal ramifications for racial ethnic ministries, where membership is growing. Despite our struggle to overcome racism, nationalism, and effects of unjust systems such as immigration, poverty, and other social issue, racial ethnic membership has grown during the decades from 1996 to 2016:

o The Asian-American membership grew +106%

o The Pacific Islander membership grew +101%

o The Hispanic membership grew +78%.

o The African-American membership grew +37%.

o The Native-American membership grew + 23%.

o However the White membership has not grown but declined -21%.

Today the special called General Conference will speak for The UMC. We plead with youusing the words of the prophet Micah, and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly,and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Therefore, the Inter-Ethnic Strategy & Development Group calls this General Conference to actions that support the unity of the church and promote justice, mercy and love of God.

Inter-Ethnic Strategy Development Group (IESDG), February 26, 2019Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR)

Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latino Americans (MARCHA)

Native American International Caucus (NAIC)

National Federation of the Asian American United Methodists (NFAAUM)

Pacific Islanders National Caucus United Methodists (PINCUM) i

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posted on December 22, 2018 by
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A Christmas Story

By David Maldonado, Jr.

Nativity of Christ in Peru, South America

And so the child is born in a new land, a child born of humble immigrants who seek nothing more than life and hope for tomorrow.

The young couple grabbed what they could carry with them and set out in the dark night. They were leaving familiar surroundings, as well as their home, friends, and family. They were expecting their first born and wished the child could be born at home surrounded by their community. But for the sake of the child, the young couple knew they must leave, so they walked out into the cold and dangerous desert night. It was a huge risk for them to leave, but it was also a leap of faith and hope that the land to which they were going would be a life-saving and life-sustaining place.

As they made their way through the darkness, guided only by a sea of brilliant stars, they wondered what their future held for them and their child. It was their hope for the child that kept them focused and determined on their trek. They were afraid. Robbers were known to attack travelers in the night and in the desert. What if they were caught in the night? Would they be arrested and treated as common criminals? Would they be sent back to their homeland?

Fears have a way of immobilizing some people. But for this young expectant couple, fear drove them even deeper into the night. What they feared the most would be life without hope, life without a future for their new family. In their whispers they encouraged each other and prayed that their child be born in the new land of hope. They had to arrive in their new land before day broke.

But that was not to be. The child could no longer wait to be born. They were now well into their new land. They knew no one here and their surroundings looked strange and foreign. Where could they go for the birth of their child? Who would welcome them and offer hospitality? They knocked on the first door that they saw. The lights were on and the house looked welcoming. They saw the curtains move and a face peeked out to see who was knocking on the door. But the door did not open. From outside the house, they heard the voice of a woman inside.

“Who is it?” she asked in a whisper. A male voice from within the house responded in a loud irritated voice as if wanting to be heard by the travelers standing outside the door.

“Oh, nobody, just some foreigners probably looking for a handout,” responded the male voice, adding, “they should go back to where they came from.”

The young couple, hearing the voices, covered their heads and kept going. They were determined to survive. They came to yet another house with its lights still on.

“Maybe they will be more welcoming,” cried the young pregnant woman. This time, the door opened slightly.

“Who are you? What do you want? Where are you from?” the voice called from within the slightly opened door.

“We just arrived and our child is ready to be born,” responded the young father-to-be.

“We are not from here. We are not asking for charity. All we need is for our child to be born safely. I am willing to work to repay you for your kindness.”

“Humph! Some more of them. They just cause problems for the rest of us. I wish they would stop coming. I wish they would just leave. Our whole town is changing because of them, but I could sure use his cheap labor in the morning. They are good workers. Hope nobody is looking,” thought the man from behind the door.

With a suspicious glare, the man yelled out, “OK, you can stay in the back, but don’t make trouble or we will call the police on you and send you back where you came from.”

And so the child is born in a new land, a child born of humble immigrants who seek nothing more than life and hope for tomorrow. A child is born in a new land and there is life and hope for a family. Many of us know this as the story of the birth of Jesus. It is also the story of the birth of the child of the immigrant today. It is the story of hope. a

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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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