Westminster is a proud partner and supporter of many local and national immigrant and refugee rights groups fighting for equity, reform, and humane treatment of all people. We have a long history advocating for the rights of immigrants, refugees, and migrants in our community, as well as participating in national justice movements in solidarity with impacted communities. Through our advocacy, education, worship, prayer, and direct service, we hope to set positive examples for how communities of faith can affirm and welcome all, regardless of background, nationality, or status within U.S. borders.
Westminster proudly supports the East Central Ohio Sanctuary Network (ECOSN). This group exists to prepare people to walk in solidarity with immigrants by creating a network of faith communities, individuals, and agencies for education, action, and service. The ECOSN hosts workshops to educate the community about the realities of current immigration policies and the impact on individuals and families caught in these broken systems. It also researches immigration-related policies and encourages faith communities to organize for political and social change, and assists in recruiting volunteers for organizations and agencies working with directly impacted communities.
Our members volunteer their time with Immigrant Worker Project (IWP) based in Canton. We assist with mentoring high school students from immigrant families in their College Prep/Mentoring Program. After recent immigration raids in Northeast Ohio, we also supported IWP’s clients as they navigate legal proceedings and assisted with providing funds and gift cards for groceries.
We also support Open Arms Hispanic Ministry, which aims to meet the physical and spiritual needs of immigrants in Wayne County. Open Arms provides transportation and translation services for work, doctor’s appointment, court hearings, dentist appointments, and more. They also assist individuals and families to locate housing, and advocate with local employers to develop better workplace environments for immigrants.
In addition, we’ve utilized the resources from the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and Presbyterians for Just Immigration (a network of Presbyterians interested in various immigration issues and how these issues impact their communities, churches, and presbyteries) to continue educating ourselves on how we can use faith-based witness for change. We happily host and learn from Global Peaceworkers in the Presbyterian Peacemaking program about how members of our denomination are working for justice in different parts of the world, which often intersects with immigration, migration, and refugee rights.
Many in our congregation supported the Sanctuary Movement in the 1980s, when faith communities, universities, and other organizations rallied to advocate on behalf of thousands of refugees fleeing persecution in Central America. BorderLinks is one organization in Tucson, AZ that grew out of the Sanctuary Movement, and in 2008, 2010, and 2012, Westminster sent members of our community on a delegation to learn, experience, and connect with the struggles happening at the southern border. Although Westminster no longer sends regular delegations to Borderlinks, as a congregation we are still very active and committed to immigration and refugee rights, especially in Ohio.
Other activities we have organized or participated in:
If you would like to get involved in some way, or want to hear more about our racial justice work, contact us!
Westminster accepts electronic donations through the Presbyterian Mission Exchange
353 E. Pine St., Wooster, OH 44691
Call Us: (330) 263-2398
Email Us: [email protected]
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Please contact our office for information about in person services or for the links for virtual services.
