New ‘Love Knows No Borders’ resources aim to inform churches on best ways to engage in immigration, LGBTQIA+ issues

Following the success of the original ‘Love Knows No Borders’ (LKNB) campaign, the United Church of Christ Office of Public Policy and Advocacy has released new resources in an effort to inform churches on some ways they can engage on key issues, such as immigration reform, refugee and LGBTQIA+ issues, as well as templates to send letters and correspondence to local and federal elected officials. 

The resources, which are now available on the refreshed LKNB page include a special video message from UCC General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, worship resources, a toolkit to help churches respond to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, and a ‘know your rights/know you’re loved’ resource in both English and Spanish. 

“We declare with one voice: Love knows no borders,” Thompson said in the video. “The foundation of our Christian faith is a love that extends to all, a love that speaks loudly and boldly and will not remain silent.” 

A Growing Campaign

Initially, the LNKB message was developed to offer a message and signage for UCC congregations and members to bring to protests or rallies, according to the Rev. Michael Neuroth, director of the Office of Public Policy and Advocacy. He says given the current circumstances in the country, he sees the campaign continuing to catch on. 

“So long as our immigrant and LGBTQIA+ neighbors are being dehumanized and targeted, and the door is closed to refugees abroad, we must keep proclaiming a bold message of love and inclusion in the public,” Neuroth said. 

Responding to ICE

Included in the new slate of resources is an 18 page guide/toolkit that outlines UCC’s values on immigration and provides practical guidance on how churches should respond to immigration enforcement activity, particularly during a period of heightened immigration enforcement.

The guide includes definitions of key terms, information about ICE, and an explanation of the rights houses of worship have. It also outlines seven concrete actions congregations can take, including developing internal procedures and having concrete action plans in place. 

“They tried to bury us. They didn’t know we were seeds.” This phrase has been a rallying cry for justice movements around the world, including LGBTQIA+ advocates, Black Lives Matter, and indigenous struggles across Latin America.  Efforts to deport, erase, or eradicate peoples will fail.  Love wins, and God’s love knows no borders!,” Neuroth said. 

The resources are available for free on the Love Knows No Borders webpage. 

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