The Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church released a public statement Wednesday calling for more humane immigration policies.
Nearly 1,000 United Methodists across western North Carolina, including many in Charlotte, have signed the statement. Signers raised concerns about what they describe as the “inhumane treatment” of people during Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.
The group said current immigration policies are creating fear in communities, and that their Christian faith compels them to stand with immigrants and speak out publicly.
“Staying silent is not an option," Charlotte Rev. Nina Wynn said. "Staying silent almost seems like you're being complicit. And so there was a desire by a number of people to say, 'no, we're going to speak out.'”
Wynn said the statement is meant to remind the public that treating people with dignity is central to their faith.
