Call to Action: Signatures needed to help publish Oregon voter’s pamphlet statement

The Immigration Task Force of the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has been working to include a statement in opposition to Measure 105 in the Oregon Voters Pamphlet for November’s General Election. Measure 105 (Previously known as IP22), seeks to repeal Oregon’s 30 year old “sanctuary” law (ORS 181A.820). This statement will join similar ones from faith communities who support the existing legislation which defends against the racial profiling of immigrants.

This is a call to action for churches and individuals to help in gathering 500 valid signatures this Sunday August 12th, in order to publish the voters’ pamphlet statement. Our statement is based on our local conference’s standing resolutions including Embracing the Immigrant, Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Oregon-Idaho Supports Sanctuary For Immigrants And Refugees, and Welcoming the Migrant in Our Midst. Together, we hope to be the church, as we share our witness and participate in community.

Download information to collect signatures to support placing the statement in the Oregon Voter's Pamphlet.

The Immigration Taskforce of the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, urges a NO vote on Ballot Measure 105

When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 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 19:33-34)

The United Methodist Church understands that at the center of Christian faithfulness to scripture is the call we have been given to love and welcome the sojourner. The vast majority of people now living in Oregon are the descendants of immigrants who migrated here seeking safety, security and prosperity. Regardless of status and documentation, immigrants and refugees sit in our pews and are behind the pulpits of our churches, and they have added to our witness for Christ as we have all dedicated ourselves to the church’s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to treat our migrant and immigrant neighbors with compassion, and offer them every hospitality.
We ask our faith communities to take a stand to protect everyone who comes into their churches or facilities regardless of their legal standing to be in the United States. We urge you to Vote NO on Measure 105.

The Immigration Taskforce is a committee of the Oregon-Idaho Conference of The United Methodist Church that is made up of clergy and lay members to help provide guidance to churches seeking to be in ministry to immigrants in our communities.