One of the most meaningful moments of the 2026 Northern Illinois Annual Conference happened not inside the convention center, but on the streets. Nearly 200 clergy and laity stepped outside together to participate in a public demonstration, Love Your Neighbor, organized by the conference’s Committee on Religion and Race.

Together we prayed, sang, carried signs, and publicly proclaimed that our immigrant neighbors are beloved children of God, worthy of dignity, justice, and compassion. This was more than a public witness. It was an act of discipleship.

What made this witness especially meaningful was the participation of young people. Youth and young adults walked alongside clergy and other laity, lending their voices and their presence to this public expression of faith.

For many of them, this was more than attending another conference event—it was an opportunity to experience what it means to live out the gospel beyond the walls of the church.

They witnessed firsthand that following Jesus includes standing with those who are vulnerable and advocating for justice with humility, compassion, and courage.

At a time when many immigrant families continue to live with uncertainty, fear, and division, our presence on the streets communicated a powerful message to immigrants: You are not alone.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called not only to proclaim the gospel with our words but also to embody it through our actions. Our faith becomes visible when we stand with those who are vulnerable, advocate for justice, and love our neighbors in tangible ways.

This year's conference theme, “Practicing Hope,” reminds us that hope is far more than optimism or wishful thinking. It compels us to step beyond our comfort zones, to act with courage, and to participate in God's transforming work in the world. Christian hope is active. It walks, serves, advocates, listens, and stands alongside those who are hurting.

The demonstration became a beautiful expression of that active hope. Every step we took together as Northern Illinois Annual Conference was a reminder that the church is called to be present where people experience pain and injustice. We cannot simply speak about God's love from our sanctuaries while remaining silent in the face of suffering. Hope calls us into the public square, where our witness reflects God's vision of justice, mercy, and reconciliation.

Advocacy is not a political strategy; it is a spiritual practice. It flows from our baptismal vow to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves. When we advocate together, we remind one another that we are part of something larger than ourselves—the body of Christ, sent into the world to be instruments of God's hope.

The witness of nearly 200 people walking together encouraged immigrant families who saw that the church stands with them. It challenged our communities to see the face of Christ in their neighbors. It inspired our young people to imagine a faith that is active, courageous, and public. And it reminded all of us that hope grows stronger when it is practiced together.

As we continue living into this year's theme, may we remember that practicing hope requires more than belief—it requires participation. May we continue advocating together as a sign of hope, bearing witness that God's love is not only proclaimed from our lips but revealed through our lives. In doing so, we become living testimonies of the hope that is found in Jesus Christ—a hope that moves, transforms, and invites others to experience the kin-dom of God here and now.

You can be part of the Love Your Neighbor witness by planning an event in your community. Churches are encouraged to hold a demonstration or other faithful action to show their biblical concern for immigrants on Sept. 13 (or another convenient day).  The NIC Committee on Religion and Race 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.