At the February meeting, Reformation’s Council took official action to become a Welcoming Congregation through the ELCA’s AMMPARO ministry. The word “amparo” in Spanish means the protection of a living creature from suffering or damage. The ELCA’s strategy to Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) was envisioned after witnessing the plight of children who are forced to flee their communities because of complex and interrelated reasons, including chronic violence, poverty, environmental displacement and lack of opportunities. As a Welcoming Congregation, Reformation commits to:
• spiritually and pastorally accompany migrants in our community congregation;
• physically accompany migrants as needed to medical, legal and pastoral resources;
• pray for the children and families; and
• prayerfully consider participation in ELCA advocacy.
These commitments are already deeply in our ministry at Reformation. Here are some ways we are already living them:
• Financial and logistical support of First Place Swarthmore – a ministry through Swarthmore Presbyterian Church that helps refugees have a “first place” to go.
• Service projects such as the Fresh Change bags and Hope for the Holiday cards.
• Financial support of Global Refuge (formerly called Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services) – one of the largest providers of services
for refugees in the country.
• Intentional partnerships with social agencies across our region equipped at providing needed human services to immigrants and refugees.
• Engaging in the 40 days of Scripture and Prayer this Lent.
• Support the work of ELCA Advocacy and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania.
Learn more about the work of supporting migrants at elca.org/ammparo and globalrefuge.org.