“CBFNC has provided ministries to the Latino community for over two decades and to the broader refugee community for over a decade. We have ‘embraced our neighbors through missions’ in a variety of ways. Now, through the enhanced ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) presence in our state, our brothers and sisters are under threat. They need our prayers and our active support.
I commend this article by my colleague, Santiago Reales, who serves as the director of Red Latina, CBFNC’s Latino Network. May we have ears to hear, eyes to see, and hands and feet to take action as the Lord leads,” said Larry Hovis, CBFNC executive coordinator.
The displacement of individuals and families as a means of survival has increased significantly in recent decades in the United States. People migrate for multiple reasons: to obtain better economic opportunities, to seek safety, to access education, to find employment, to reunite with previously established family members, to start businesses, or simply to survive. Others are fleeing armed conflict, violence, persecution, natural disasters or political instability. Today, migration is a global reality of enormous complexity, whose challenges have repercussions on all sectors of society.
In the United States, these repercussions have become more visible in recent days, due to failed immigration enforcement policies—a problem that characterizes not only the current administration, but also previous ones. For many in North Carolina, ICE’s presence is not new; What has been new has been the intensity and manners with which their operations have been carried out.
In North Carolina, there have been numerous non-profit organizations committed to Latino communities and CBFNC congregations for years. Although there is no updated record of the total number of Latino advocacy organizations, it is estimated that there are dozens, even hundreds. Among the most relevant are the Congress of Latino Organizations of NC (which brings together more than 70 entities), Fe y Salud (Charlotte), El Pueblo Inc., Nuestra Comunidad (Winston Salem), and El Centro Hispano, with a presence in several cities and serving thousands of people. Many of our congregations are actively involved in, collaborate with, or promote their own programs. In addition, the “Red Latina” has offered trainings focused on the mental health of our congregants.
However, the political rhetoric and atmosphere of harassment fostered during this recent period have awakened feelings of fear, trauma, spiritual confusion and collective anxiety in the Latino community.
What can CBFNC congregations do?
When this question arises, the first thing to consider is what does my community need, or in the case of pastors, what does my congregation need? While material, spiritual, emotional, and social needs are numerous, the current situation has revealed a particular urgency: explicit support from the pulpits of our white congregations to denounce injustice, uplift our communities, and uphold human dignity.
- Proclaiming Justice from the Pulpit. Prophetic preaching to denounce abuses not only amplifies the voice of those who suffer; it also strengthens the present and future well-being of the immigrant community. Preaching with awareness of context, as Jesus did, involves responding to the realities of those who listen. His message profoundly transformed the integral lives of his listeners.
- Invite immigrants to CBFNC congregations to share their stories of social injustice related to ICE. Listening to direct testimonies humanizes the migratory experience, correct distorted stories, and breaks stereotypes.
- Send messages of support and encouragement to Latino pastors. A simple gesture reminds you that you are not alone. Human dignity is non-negotiable.
- Establish an emergency fund. This fund could provide legal support.
- Create a regional task force. A team that meets periodically to update information, analyze migration challenges, and coordinate efforts.
- Promote ongoing conversations of self-awareness. Spaces for dialogue that integrate theology, ethics and migratory realities, strengthening the formation of leaders.
Why do these actions matter?
- They allow the correction from the pulpit of distorted ideas spread by those who concentrate political power.
- They set a precedent that will resonate with future generations of the church.
- They cultivate empathy and solidarity, helping to understand what it means to walk alongside those who are undocumented. Even many legal residents and citizens live in fear because they are not fluent in English, making them easy targets for ICE.
It is imperative to affirm that every person—migrant or not—possesses value because he or she is created in the image of God (Imago Dei, Genesis 1:27). Legal status, nationality or citizenship do not alter this dignity. Therefore, even when immigration laws require regulation, their application must be done with justice and with full recognition of the humanity of each individual.
Download the resource about what churches can do here.
For additional resources on immigration advocacy, please visit our Immigration Resources page.
-By Santiago Reales
CBFNC Red Latina Director
