Illinois Pilgrimage Opens Hearts and Minds
From June 25 to 28, members from the Northern Illinois, Illinois Great Rivers, and Wisconsin Conferences embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage organized by the NIC Committee on Religion…
Public Demonstration at Annual Conference
Sponsored by NIC CCORR Immigration Subcommittee
Monday, June 15, 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Read about the Demonstration View the Flickr Album
On Monday of Annual Conference, some members and guests will participate in a peaceful demonstration on Meacham Road in Schaumburg. They will be witnessing to the United Methodist values that advocate for just policies toward immigrants, including abolishing family separations and detentions and providing housing, health care, and education.
After adjournment of the Plenary on Monday at 5:30 p.m., the Conference Commission on Religion and Race invites all who are interested to take part in an optional public demonstration. Participants will gather immediately following the session, where signs will be provided, and then walk together to Meacham Road as a visible expression of our shared commitment to loving our neighbors. This peaceful demonstration offers a meaningful opportunity to witness to our Christian values in the broader community.
The demonstration will conclude by 6:15 p.m., allowing ample time for participants to attend any evening events hosted by other groups.
For additional information and/or support for those with limited mobility, please stop by the CCORR display table at Annual Conference.
If interested in helping make posters for the rally, please stop by the CCORR display table.
CCORR encourages churches and communities to participate and to create their own DIY Faithful Action: Loving Our Neighbor Community Engagement Event.
Sun., Sept. 13 is scheduled as a conference-wide Day of Action where NIC churches will step out of their sanctuaries to march, pray, and sing in a large-scale show of support for our immigrant brothers and sisters.
The DIY (Do-it-yourself) format encourages each congregation to organize an event that works for their church while bearing witness to God’s commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself.” CCORR created a checklist to assist churches with planning an event that acknowledges the humanity and dignity of our immigrant siblings. Examples of events include a prayer vigil, a rally/march, or training. Events are encouraged to happen on Sunday, September 13, a day for Conference-wide action, or anytime between May 1 and October 31, 2026.
Access the DIY Faithful Action Checklist
Churches are encouraged to register their participation, share event details, and submit information and photos with the communications team so these efforts can be celebrated and amplified across the conference.
Register Your Church’s DIY Faithful Action Participation
Share Photos and Details of Your Church's DIY Faithful Action Event
The United Methodist Social Principles affirm the dignity and rights of all people regardless of origin, urging churches to welcome immigrants and refugees as children of God. The church advocates for just policies, opposes family separation/detention, and calls for providing practical support, such as housing, healthcare, and education.
Other Events to Help Support Immigrants:
- Immigration 101: Welcoming the Stranger: Aug. 8 at United Methodist Church of Libertyville. Learn more.
- Conference-wide Day of Action: Sept. 13