08/14/2026
A STATEMENT OF SUPPORT AND SOLIDARITY
WITH IMMIGRANT FAMILIES IN OUR CONFERENCE TERRITORY
Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
To the members, families, and friends of the Southern New England Conference:
Over recent months, changes to immigration policy have unsettled the lives of many people in our churches and communities. Some of our members and neighbors have lost jobs. Others are afraid to leave home for basic needs — to pick up medication, buy groceries, keep a doctor's appointment, or come to church on Sabbath. In recent months, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been suspended or terminated for nationals of a number of countries represented in our conference. For many families in our churches from these communities, this has brought new fear and uncertainty on top of what was already a difficult season.
Among those affected, Haitian nationals—one of the larger immigrant communities across our conference territory—have been especially impacted: TPS for Haiti was terminated effective July 27, 2026, following a Supreme Court ruling, after a period in which the courts had paused the termination.
As the leadership of the Southern New England Conference, we want to say clearly to every affected family: we see you, we love you, and we stand with you. You are not alone, and you are not forgotten.
Our concern is not political. It is pastoral. Scripture speaks repeatedly about how God's people are to treat the stranger, the foreigner, and the immigrant among them.
“The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” — Leviticus 19:34 (NKJV)
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords... He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore, love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” — Deuteronomy 10:17–19 (NKJV)
“I was a stranger and you took Me in... Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” — Matthew 25:35, 40 (NKJV)
If our Lord identifies Himself with the stranger, then caring for immigrant families is not optional for the church — it is discipleship.
To every member and family affected by these changes, the Southern New England Conference commits to the following:
• Every church in our conference remains a safe and welcoming place of worship for all people, regardless of immigration status. No one should ever feel afraid to come to God's house.
• Our pastors and church leaders are available for confidential pastoral care and prayer. You do not have to carry this alone.
• We will continue to support and expand practical ministries — food assistance, help with transportation to medical appointments, and connections to community resources — for families who are afraid to go out for basic needs.
• We will not require, collect, or share immigration status information as a condition of ministry, membership, or fellowship.
• We are committed to ongoing prayer for wisdom, protection, and comfort for every affected family across our territory.
To our beloved Haitian brothers and sisters, in particular, the termination of TPS has brought real and painful uncertainty into your homes. We grieve with you. Please know that your church family has not changed toward you. Reach out to your pastor or local elder—you are welcome to ask for prayer, for a listening ear, or for help finding trustworthy resources. Nou la avèk ou. We are here with you.
We also encourage those who need immigration guidance to seek assistance from qualified and reputable immigration attorneys or accredited immigration-service organizations. Immigration circumstances vary from person to person, and individuals should receive competent counsel regarding their particular situation.
We ask every congregation in our conference to respond to this moment with the compassion of Christ:
• Guard your church family from fear, gossip, and rumor. Speak the truth in love, and correct misinformation gently.
• Watch for members who have gone quiet or stopped attending, and reach out to them personally rather than waiting for them to ask for help.
• Consider hosting a “know your rights” information session with a qualified legal-aid partner, so families have accurate information rather than fear-driven guesses.
• Strengthen your church's practical support ministries — meals, transportation, translation help — so no member has to choose between safety and basic needs.
• Above all, pray. Pray by name for the families you know are affected, and pray for wisdom for our nation's leaders.
We pray for comfort for every family living with uncertainty. We pray for open doors where doors have closed and for the peace of Christ to guard hearts and minds in this anxious season. And we hold on to the hope that this world's citizenship is not our final home—that we serve a King whose kingdom has every nation, tribe, and tongue.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)
In Christ's service,
Southern New England Conference Administration
Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
