{"id":6644,"date":"2017-06-29T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-06-29T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mwc-cmm.org\/called-to-justice-mennonite-churches-respond-to-migration-crisis-in-mexico\/"},"modified":"2024-12-10T18:36:12","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T18:36:12","slug":"called-justice-mennonite-churches-respond-migration-crisis-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mwc-cmm.org\/en\/stories\/called-justice-mennonite-churches-respond-migration-crisis-mexico\/","title":{"rendered":"Called to justice: Mennonite churches respond to migration crisis in Mexico"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bogota, Colombia \u2013 \u201cThe Bible invites us to remember that the people of Israel were also strangers; they were captives and were deported,\u201d says Carlos Mart\u00ednez, Conferencia de Iglesias Evang\u00e9licas Anabautistas Menonitas de M\u00e9xico. \u201cThe [early] Anabaptists were also discriminated against. And we have part of this living story among with our sisters and brothers in Chihuahua.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mart\u00ednez was among 21 Anabaptist leaders gathered from different parts of Mexico for a conference of Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren churches in Mexico, from 23\u201324 March 2017 to focus on a biblical response to caring for the vulnerable in their midst: migrants. The conference reflected on Matthew 1:16\u201323 and 1 Peter 1:1; 2: 9\u201310.\"Maria<\/p>\n

Conversations turned toward the discrimination and harsh conditions migrants face during their journey. Mexico City is a passage place for migrants both headed to cross the border into the USA and deported from it.<\/span> Many migrants experience assault from border patrol agents from both governments, sexual violence, loss of work, exploitation from the drug cartels, harsh terrains as they travel, and discrimination.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are many groups of migrants, but the one that has grown has been indigenous migrants. In Oaxaca, they live on the periphery and in extreme poverty. The Mexican government wants to make them invisible,\u201d says Leslie Ocampo, Iglesia Cristiana de Paz en M\u00e9xico A.R.<\/p>\n

Compelled by the needs of migrants, Anabaptist churches convened this conference with Mennonite Central Committee to learn how to respond effectively and in partnership with each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Matamoros, the church doesn’t have the infrastructure to offer employment [to migrants],\u201d says Jes\u00fas Garza, Conferencia Cristiana Anabautista Menonita. \u201cThere are many churches, but no work is being done in this area. This is really sad because there is no coordination to offer support to migrants.\u201d   <\/p>\n

Determined to find ways to respond biblically, participants turned their questions into brainstorming and action. \u201cChildren have to leave school to work in the street. We are working on literacy programs for the migrant children,\u201d says Sandra Plett, Iglesia Cristiana de Paz en M\u00e9xico A.R.<\/p>\n

\u201cPuebla is a gateway for migrants. We are thinking of setting up a guest house and perhaps creating temporary jobs,\u201d says Mario L\u00f3pez, Ministerio Integral de Iglesias Anabautistas de Puebla.<\/p>\n

Several participants called attention to learning about the root causes of migration. \u201cPreparing for the subject is key. We need to have knowledge of the causes,\u201d says Mart\u00ednez. \u201cOne possible teaching tool could be to design a training course for delegates from the churches and conferences.<\/span>\u201d<\/p>\n

Stories from Genesis to Revelation featuring people in the midst of migration from homelessness to home \u201cchallenge us, as the church to respond to injustice despite stirring controversy,\u201d concluded conference participants in a closing document. \u201cThe texts demand us to respond to a higher law than that created by human governments. We are called to the law of love, especially in the light of Christ\u2019s life. Is the church ready to pay the price for love?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014Mennonite World Conference release by Danielle Gonzales<\/em><\/p>\n

Participants<\/span><\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n