There are 65 million people displaced in the world today. That’s more than at any other time since World War II. Displaced people are on the move for many reasons. They carry nearly as many labels: migrants, refugees, aliens, immigrants, asylum seekers. More than 21 million have been granted official refugee status by the United Nations and have the potential to be settled permanently in a new home through established systems. Others will continue to search for a sense of safety and home for many years to come.
Global Migration Sunday is a partnership between four general agencies of The United Methodist Church: the Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Communications, the Board of Church and Society and Discipleship Ministries.
As United Methodists, we have a long history of walking alongside people impacted by war, violence, economic hardship, persecution, and political unrest. UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, was established over 75 years ago to “alleviate suffering without regard to race, creed, or gender.” United Methodists trust UMCOR will walk alongside families and communities impacted by natural disasters. UMCOR and its partners are also regularly working with refugees. They are eager to expand this work in response to the rapidly growing needs of those suffering as a result of migration.
