UCC Illinois Conference Immigration Task Force

The IL Conference of the UCC Immigration Task Force work centers on educating and empowering pastoral and lay leaders, youth and congregations to faithfully and effectively act with compassion on behalf of immigrants.

The Taskforce was created in Spring of 2010 in response to a plea for solidarity from our brothers and sisters in the Southwest Conference in the wake of SB1070, the regressive immigration bill which was passed in Arizona.

The Taskforce meets monthly (4th Thursday) and includes members from a number of churches throughout the Illinois Conference, from three Associations – CMA; Fox Valley; and Prairie – a CTS faculty member, and UCC members who have ties to faith-based organizations that address the issue of immigration (Chicago Religious Leadership Network (CRLN)/Chicago New Sanctuary Coalition, Illinois Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (ICCIR) and Interfaith Youth Core).

Immigrant Welcoming Congregations

The Chicago New Sanctuary Coalition (CNSC) is an interfaith coalition of religious leaders, congregations and communities, called by our faith to respond actively and publicly to the suffering of our immigrant sisters and brothers. Through prayer, reflection, education, relationship building and action we will welcome immigrants and collectively work to bring that welcoming spirit to the whole community.

CNSC is facilitating an ecumenical group of congregations in the exploration of becoming Immigrant Welcoming Congregations. The steps a congregation takes in becoming an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation include: exploring our faith, providing education and nurturing relationships for transformation, prayerful action and affirmation of commitment.

In living out the commitment to being an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation, congregations work to provide emergency response to immigrant communities, take public action in cases of injustice, provide continued education, build relationships for transformation.

IL Conf Immigration Task Force Support

The IL Conference Immigration Task Force has developed resources for congregations and work with other organizations to provide additional resources. These include:

  • An "Immigration 101" course (1-2 hours) which can be delivered by a Task Force member
  • Script for a Minute for Missions on Immigration
  • One page documents on: Smart Enforcement Act (and FAQs), DREAM Act, Standing with Families and Immigrant Refugee Services state budget proposed cuts.
  • Immersion Experiences the next of which is January, 2012.  This "Bridging Communities" program enables participants to hear from experts and immigrants, connect with other participants and examine where they can take action on the Justice issues.
  • A Facebook Page - Join Now!

First Congregational UCC Naperville Actions

In September and October, 2010, we held a six week Adult Education program on Immigration. Here are the topics and speakers:

  • Introduction to the topic, myths and facts, Christian perspectives on immigrants - Diane Herr
  • IL Conference task force on Immigration, new start churches in immigrant neighborhoods, and immigration justice - Rev. Jorge Morales, IL Conference Minister and Jenny Dale Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America
  • National Farm Worker Ministry, changes over the years, and current efforts - Olgha Sandman, UCC member and board member of NFWM.
  • Comprehensive immigration reform, Dream Act, AgJobs Act, Uniting American Families Act, and state law proposals - Diane Herr
  • Taking action and transitioning from undocumented to citizenship - Rev. Denise Griebler - Pastor of St. Michael's UCC West Chicago

Diane Herr is currently a member of the IL Conf Immigration Task Force and would be happy to address any questions you have.