Faith Resources: Migration and Displacement
“I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” —Matthew 25:35
In 1946, seventeen Christian denominations came together “to do in partnership what none of us could hope to do as well alone.” What began as individual commitments grew into the collective movement and organization, we now call Church World Service. This page is born from that spirit of unity and faithful collaboration, grounded in the belief that when the Church shows up with love and courage, transformation is possible.
Created by Church World Service’s Faith Solidarity Team, this space is for pastors, congregations, youth leaders, and denominational voices who want to live out the radical welcome of Jesus. On this page you’ll find prayers and liturgies, tools for having hard conversations in divided churches, Sunday School lessons, youth group guides, and ideas for action that put faith into motion.
Whether your congregation is just beginning this journey or has long been rooted in the work of hospitality, these resources are here to equip and encourage you.
May these tools help you preach boldly, teach faithfully, and love without fear. Christ is still found among the displaced and the weary. And the Church is still called to meet Him there.
Resources for Pastors, Faith Leaders, and Youth Pastors
- Faith Communities and Civic Engagement in the 2024 Election
- Three Steps to Engaging Conflict Productively
- Demystifying 21st Century Migration: What We Know; How We Can Best Prepare
- Welcoming Newcomers: Faith Communities Leading the Way
- Embracing The Unity of Christ in the Midst of Disagreement
Are You Ready to Welcome?
Since the start of 2025, we've seen significant changes to the refugee resettlement program. Despite these shifts, our commitment to supporting sponsors throughout their sponsorship period remains steadfast.
Currently, we continue assisting sponsor groups through the Sponsor Circles Program, which focuses on supporting Afghan allies and refugees who have lawfully resettled in the United States and need services. We are actively recruiting sponsor groups throughout the country. If you are interested in sponsoring, please reach out to us as soon as possible to begin the onboarding and matching process. Please reach out to us through the form here, or via email.
We will be hosting upcoming interest calls for the Sponsor Circles Program. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please register for one of our interest call sessions below.
June 10, 12-1 (EST)
June 26, 12-1 (EST)
June 12, 6pm - 7pm (EST)
June 24, 6pm - 7pm (EST)
Grant and Funding Resources to Support Welcome
Advocate in Your Faith Community
Reformed Church in America
JJ TenClay
Refugee Ministries Coordinator
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
Mary Campbell
Program Director, AMMPARO
Episcopal Migration Ministries/The Episcopal Church
Allison Duvall
Senior Manager for Church Relations & Engagement
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
Daniel Balcazar
Program Manager, Global Migration at UMCOR
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
Jack Amick
Director of Global Migration and Special Assignments
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Rev. Rothangliani Chhangte
Senior Associate for Grants, Partnerships and Strategy Alignment
Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries
Sharon Franzén
Office Manager
Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
Omar Chacon
Associate for Refugees & Asylum
Week of Compassion/DOC
Grace Kozak
Associate Director, Immigrant and Refugee Response
United Church of Christ
Andrew Long-Higgins
Team Leader, Global HOPE
Presbyterian Church America
Pat Hatch
Refugee and Immigrant Ministry Director
Latest Updates
CWS Celebrates Easter, Reflects on the Hope of the Resurrection
Washington, D.C.—Ahead of Easter Sunday in celebration of the spirit of Easter, Rick Santos, President and CEO of Church World Service issued the following statement: This Easter we celebrate and remember the life of Jesus Christ and the hope of his resurrection. We are inspired to live in the promise of a renewed world and to join together with other …
Faith in Action: How Religious Communities Have Historically United to Welcome Refugees
Throughout U.S. history, faith communities have been at the forefront of welcoming refugees. Across religious traditions, people of faith have worked together to respond to humanitarian crises, guided by shared values of compassion, justice and hospitality. Here are seven powerful examples of interfaith collaboration in welcoming refugees to the United States. Welcoming Refugees After World War II (1940s-1950s) In the …
Beyond the Welcome Mat: The Cost of Real Inclusion
I was out for a walk yesterday and passed a house with a large “Welcome” sign on the front porch. I stood still, asking myself: I wonder if that welcome is meant for everyone? Or just for some? In America, we love the idea of welcome. We brand it, display it and post it everywhere. But who do we really …
Faith Communities Unite in Historic Declaration to Defend Refugees at Critical Crossroads for U.S. Policy
Washington, D.C.— In an unprecedented moment of moral reckoning, Church World Service (CWS) today issues The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge, a bold and urgent call to action from faith communities across the nation. With 45 initial signers—including CWS’ Covenant Members—this declaration is more than a statement, it is a solemn and unshakable commitment by religious leaders and organizations …
Rebuilding Hope: How CWS Blankets and Kits Are Transforming Lives at the Nehemiah Mission
The Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland is dedicated to rebuilding hope and transforming communities by providing meals, temporary housing, and support for displaced families. During a visit, CWS’s Nick Gliha witnessed their powerful work firsthand—from serving warm meals to offering CWS Blankets and Kits to those in need. Below is his blog written about the recent experience. Providing Hope Through Meals …
Faith Amid Fear: A Mother and Daughter’s Separation and Healing
Trigger Warning: This story mentions depictions of violence and sexual abuse. The following story is about Pilar* and her daughter, Silvia, who fled Guatemala after being targeted by a violent gang, leaving behind their community and the church that had once been their refuge. Upon reaching the U.S., they endured the trauma of being separated under the Trump administration’s Zero …
CWS and Faith Communities Respond to Proposal to Eliminate Protection for Migrants in Churches, School and Hospitals
Washington, DC—Church World Service today expressed its concern over reports that President-elect Trump plans to scrap “sensitive locations” in upcoming months, granting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers more power to arrest undocumented people at churches, schools, hospitals, and other long-protected public spaces. CWS notes that rescinding such protections will prevent vulnerable neighbors from safely accessing aid from faith communities, …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Heed the Call of Congregations and Faith Communities By Supporting Welcoming Policies
Congregations and people of faith have an important role in advancing pro-immigrant, pro-refugee policies. Join us in taking action to urge your elected officials to pursue legislation and funding rooted in collective concern for people fleeing persecution and violence. Our diverse faith traditions compel us to love our neighbor, accompany the vulnerable, and welcome the sojourner—regardless of place of birth, …
Supporting the Community Through Faith
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of helping host a Prayer Fest held at Vietnamese Alliance Church of Harrisburg Abounding Love Ministries. This event, dedicated to unity, worship and intercession, was truly inspiring. Our theme this year, “Abounding Love,” was drawn from 1 Corinthians 15:58, which calls us to be steadfast, immovable and always dedicated to the work …
Faith, Hope and Charity: A Sponsor Group’s Journey to Resettling Refugees
After months of hard work, research, and thoughtful preparation, a Private Sponsor Group (PSG) from Millersburg, Ohio eagerly awaits the arrival of new refugee neighbors. “This has been a huge learning experience for us, and we are so excited for the next step,” said the group’s liaison to Church World Service, Annette Lendacki. In January of 2023, the Department of …
There Came a Time in Egypt
Our friend PCUSA pastor and hymn writer the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has written a new hymn, “There Came a Time in Egypt” to build support in helping the migrants in the USA: There Came a Time In Egypt A new hymn written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette when she was serving as the August 12-19, 2023 chaplain in the Presbyterian …
Community-Driven Transformation: A Theological Perspective
A Letter to the Church in America Dear American Church, I am writing to you today with deep concern for the vulnerable among us, drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Apostle Paul in his letters to the early Christian communities. As Paul exhorted the Roman Christians to live transformed lives in Christ, I want to urge the church in …