Immigration & Know Your Rights Resources
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Dear Rio Texas Conference,
In times of uncertainty, the Church is called to respond with wisdom, care, and faithful presence.
In response to questions and concerns we have been hearing across the Rio Texas Conference, the Anti-Racism & Equity Coalition has worked with conference staff to gather trusted immigration and Know Your Rights resources in one place. These resources are offered to support individuals, families, and church leaders as they seek clarity, prepare thoughtfully, and remain grounded in faith.
In moments like this, fear and uncertainty can spread quickly. As people of faith, we are called to respond not with panic, but with wisdom, care, and solidarity. Being informed is one way we offer dignity, protection, and hope to those who are most vulnerable.
We encourage churches and leaders to engage these resources prayerfully and to share them thoughtfully, with attention to their local context and community needs. I am grateful to the Anti-Racism & Equity Coalition for their bold and courageous leadership, and I stand with them as we seek to respond faithfully and compassionately in this moment.
Above all, we invite you to remain grounded in prayer and faithful to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, who calls us to compassion, mercy, and love for all people. May our witness reflect God’s justice, grace, and abiding presence in every circumstance.
Grace and peace,
Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey
Zoom Gathering for Reflection & Conversation
What is Accompaniment?
Jan 31, 2026, 10 AM - 11:30 AM (ZOOM)
A guided conversation, exploring accompaniment as a faithful way of walking alongside our neighbors with care, humility, and hope.
A Prayer From Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey
Gracious and merciful God,
Our hearts are heavy as we witness the pain, fear, and unrest following the recent events in Minnesota. We grieve the loss of life, the trauma carried by families and communities, and the deep divisions that continue to wound our common life. We ask for your comforting presence to surround all who are suffering and for your healing to move powerfully among them.
As followers of Jesus Christ and as United Methodists, we affirm the sacred worth of every person. Our Social Principles call us to uphold human dignity, pursue justice, and work for peace in our communities and in the world. Shape us into people who resist violence, who seek understanding, and who choose compassion over anger. Teach us again what it means to love our neighbor, especially when that love requires courage, humility, and sacrifice.
Guide leaders toward wisdom and accountability. Stir your church to be a faithful witness for reconciliation and hope. Empower us to speak truth with grace, to listen deeply to one another, and to become instruments of your peace. May your Spirit lead us toward a future marked not by fear, but by justice, mercy, and steadfast love.
In the name of Christ, we pray.
Amen.
