Statement from the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church
The following is a statement from the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church:
Dear Colleagues,
In our United Methodist work in the area of immigration, we have been assisted by information shared with us by the National Immigration Litigation Alliance (NILRA). We received the following information from the NILRA concerning immigrant children in the U.S. that is deeply concerning.
Beginning October 3, 2025, ICE launched an operation reportedly named “Freaky Friday,” targeting unaccompanied children aged 14 and older of all nationalities.
Given this alarming information, we strongly encourage annual conferences and local churches to the extent possible, to:
Conference Chancellors may be able to provide support in this critical situation.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. We are here to support you.
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, Chair
COB Immigration Task Force
[email protected]
Dear Colleagues,
In our United Methodist work in the area of immigration, we have been assisted by information shared with us by the National Immigration Litigation Alliance (NILRA). We received the following information from the NILRA concerning immigrant children in the U.S. that is deeply concerning.
Beginning October 3, 2025, ICE launched an operation reportedly named “Freaky Friday,” targeting unaccompanied children aged 14 and older of all nationalities.
- Children detained and released will be sent a “threat” letter from ICE threatening indefinite detention and immediate transfer to ICE upon age-out if they do not waive jurisdiction under the TVPRA and withdraw applications for relief
- Children will be offered $2,500 to return to their countries of origin
- If children do not comply with the “offer”, the letter intimates their parents in the US will be arrested
- ICE plans to detain all children who reach the age of 14 and are ready to be released from detention, and they anticipate legal challenges.
- There are indications that the age threshold for this threat letter may be lowered to 10 years old.
- We understand they plan to first target detained children but will also target children released from custody.
Given this alarming information, we strongly encourage annual conferences and local churches to the extent possible, to:
- Provide Know Your Rights presentations to the families of children in ICE custody advising them of this plan and their right to not sign anything document without consulting their attorney
- Also, consider advising the families of immigrant children out of ICE custody about the possibility of receiving an ICE letter.
- If a child receives a letter, please consider helping them to prepare an affidavit that particularly highlights the manner in which this ICE letter was delivered (was counsel present and able to advise, were youth able to ask questions), evidence of coercion or intimidation, underlying fear of being returned to the country they immigrated from.
- Litigators are coordinating and we will provide more information shortly on who to direct these affidavits to.
- Please report concerns to the HHS Ombudsman office here: [email protected].
Conference Chancellors may be able to provide support in this critical situation.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. We are here to support you.
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, Chair
COB Immigration Task Force
[email protected]
Bishop Lanette: Working for Justice, Reconciliation, and Hope
By: Bishop Lanette Plambeck | Resident Bishop of the Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area
Dear Siblings in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, who transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary and calls us into God’s beloved community. As we approach this mid-January season, we are invited to reflect, remember, and recommit to the work of justice, reconciliation, and hope.
This Sunday, we observe Human Relations Day, one of the six Special Sundays in The United Methodist Church. This day challenges us to affirm the dignity and worth of every person, especially those marginalized by society. Your giving on this day supports ministries that empower communities through justice and compassion, offering a glimpse of the beloved community God envisions.
On Monday, our nation pauses to honor the prophetic legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who gave voice to the call for racial equity, nonviolence, and reconciliation. Dr. King’s vision of the beloved community is rooted in the same hope Jesus embodied—a world where justice and love prevail, and no one is left behind.
In this same spirit, the upcoming presidential inauguration reminds us of our shared responsibility as people of faith to engage in the public square, to advocate for the vulnerable, and to lift prayers for our leaders. Our Wesleyan tradition teaches us that personal holiness and social holiness are inseparable; we are called to transform the world in the name of Christ.
Our lectionary gospel for January 19, John 2:1-11, recounts Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana. When the wine ran out, Jesus transformed water into wine, revealing his glory and abundance. This miracle reminds us that in the face of scarcity, Jesus brings transformation. Just as the wedding feast became a symbol of joy and renewal, we are invited to bring Christ’s transformative power into the places where hope seems depleted, and joy feels far away.
Beloved friends, as we seek to build God’s beloved community, we are faced with the ongoing struggles of racial inequity, environmental crisis, and the divisions in our communities. Yet, we take heart in the miracle at Cana. Jesus shows us that even in our brokenness, there is potential for transformation. He turns scarcity into abundance, despair into hope, and isolation into beloved community.
I encourage you to:
In Christ’s love,
Bishop Lanette Plambeck
Resident Bishop, Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area
The United Methodist Church
Dear Siblings in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, who transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary and calls us into God’s beloved community. As we approach this mid-January season, we are invited to reflect, remember, and recommit to the work of justice, reconciliation, and hope.
This Sunday, we observe Human Relations Day, one of the six Special Sundays in The United Methodist Church. This day challenges us to affirm the dignity and worth of every person, especially those marginalized by society. Your giving on this day supports ministries that empower communities through justice and compassion, offering a glimpse of the beloved community God envisions.
On Monday, our nation pauses to honor the prophetic legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who gave voice to the call for racial equity, nonviolence, and reconciliation. Dr. King’s vision of the beloved community is rooted in the same hope Jesus embodied—a world where justice and love prevail, and no one is left behind.
In this same spirit, the upcoming presidential inauguration reminds us of our shared responsibility as people of faith to engage in the public square, to advocate for the vulnerable, and to lift prayers for our leaders. Our Wesleyan tradition teaches us that personal holiness and social holiness are inseparable; we are called to transform the world in the name of Christ.
Our lectionary gospel for January 19, John 2:1-11, recounts Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana. When the wine ran out, Jesus transformed water into wine, revealing his glory and abundance. This miracle reminds us that in the face of scarcity, Jesus brings transformation. Just as the wedding feast became a symbol of joy and renewal, we are invited to bring Christ’s transformative power into the places where hope seems depleted, and joy feels far away.
Beloved friends, as we seek to build God’s beloved community, we are faced with the ongoing struggles of racial inequity, environmental crisis, and the divisions in our communities. Yet, we take heart in the miracle at Cana. Jesus shows us that even in our brokenness, there is potential for transformation. He turns scarcity into abundance, despair into hope, and isolation into beloved community.
I encourage you to:
- Pray and act for racial equity and justice in your communities, inspired by Dr. King’s vision of the beloved community.
- Offer generosity through Human Relations Day, supporting ministries that empower and uplift those on the margins.
- Look for places in your own ministry where Jesus might transform what seems insufficient into something extraordinary.
In Christ’s love,
Bishop Lanette Plambeck
Resident Bishop, Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area
The United Methodist Church
Call to Prayer from West Ohio Conference Bishiop Young
Dear Beloved in Christ,
I come to you today with a heavy heart. It is impossible to escape the news of what is happening in Springfield, Ohio and especially to Haitian immigrants in the area. Students on every level have been affected by school closings due to bomb threats. It is difficult to imagine what it must feel like to be a resident of Springfield at this time.
As Christians, we believe in Jesus Christ who calls us to welcome the stranger and to love our neighbor. It is for this reason that I call upon United Methodists to join me in prayer for the people of Springfield. I offer this prayer to you.
O God, you are the hope of all the ends of the earth, the God of the spirits of all flesh.
Hear our humble intercession for all races and families on earth, that you will turn all hearts to yourself. Remove from our minds hatred, prejudice, and contempt for those who are not of our race or color, class or creed, that, departing from everything that estranges and divides, we may by you be brought into unity of spirit, and the bond of peace. Amen. ---The United Methodist Book of Worship, (pg. 526).
Peace,
Bishop Hee Soo Jung
The Ohio Episcopal Area
West Ohio Conference
The United Methodist Church
I come to you today with a heavy heart. It is impossible to escape the news of what is happening in Springfield, Ohio and especially to Haitian immigrants in the area. Students on every level have been affected by school closings due to bomb threats. It is difficult to imagine what it must feel like to be a resident of Springfield at this time.
As Christians, we believe in Jesus Christ who calls us to welcome the stranger and to love our neighbor. It is for this reason that I call upon United Methodists to join me in prayer for the people of Springfield. I offer this prayer to you.
O God, you are the hope of all the ends of the earth, the God of the spirits of all flesh.
Hear our humble intercession for all races and families on earth, that you will turn all hearts to yourself. Remove from our minds hatred, prejudice, and contempt for those who are not of our race or color, class or creed, that, departing from everything that estranges and divides, we may by you be brought into unity of spirit, and the bond of peace. Amen. ---The United Methodist Book of Worship, (pg. 526).
Peace,
Bishop Hee Soo Jung
The Ohio Episcopal Area
West Ohio Conference
The United Methodist Church
Pastoral Letter on Shooting at Former President Donald Trump's Political Rally
July 14, 2024
Friends in Christ,
I invite you to join me in prayerful action as we respond to yesterday's shooting at former President Donald Trump's political rally. Let us be mindful of the physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma that occurred as we mourn lives lost and the normalizing of violence in our country.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, embodying the love and compassion that Jesus demonstrated throughout his ministry.
Violence, in any form, is antithetical to the Christian faith. Political violence, in particular, not only tears at the fabric of our democracy but also wounds the very soul of our nation. It is in these moments of crisis that we must stand firm in our commitment to non-violence, justice, mercy, and peace.
The Wesleyan tradition, rooted in the unwavering grace of God, compels us to reject all forms of violence and hatred. We are reminded of John Wesley's call to "do no harm," a principle that must guide our actions and our responses to the world's brokenness. Let us remember that every person, regardless of their political beliefs, is a beloved child of God.
As we navigate these turbulent times, let us pray fervently for the victims of yesterday's senseless act of violence, for their families, and for all those affected by this tragedy.
But prayer alone is not enough. We must also be active witnesses to the peace and reconciliation that God desires for all of creation. This means engaging in dialogue with those who hold differing views, advocating for policies that promote the common good, and working tirelessly to build communities where every person feels safe and valued.
May we be instruments of God's peace, sowing seeds of love where there is hatred, hope where there is despair, and light where there is darkness.
Together, let us commit to building a world where justice and peace reign, reflecting the kingdom of God here on earth.
In Christ's love and peace,
Bishop Lanette Plambeck
Resident Bishop
Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church
Friends in Christ,
I invite you to join me in prayerful action as we respond to yesterday's shooting at former President Donald Trump's political rally. Let us be mindful of the physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma that occurred as we mourn lives lost and the normalizing of violence in our country.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, embodying the love and compassion that Jesus demonstrated throughout his ministry.
Violence, in any form, is antithetical to the Christian faith. Political violence, in particular, not only tears at the fabric of our democracy but also wounds the very soul of our nation. It is in these moments of crisis that we must stand firm in our commitment to non-violence, justice, mercy, and peace.
The Wesleyan tradition, rooted in the unwavering grace of God, compels us to reject all forms of violence and hatred. We are reminded of John Wesley's call to "do no harm," a principle that must guide our actions and our responses to the world's brokenness. Let us remember that every person, regardless of their political beliefs, is a beloved child of God.
As we navigate these turbulent times, let us pray fervently for the victims of yesterday's senseless act of violence, for their families, and for all those affected by this tragedy.
But prayer alone is not enough. We must also be active witnesses to the peace and reconciliation that God desires for all of creation. This means engaging in dialogue with those who hold differing views, advocating for policies that promote the common good, and working tirelessly to build communities where every person feels safe and valued.
May we be instruments of God's peace, sowing seeds of love where there is hatred, hope where there is despair, and light where there is darkness.
Together, let us commit to building a world where justice and peace reign, reflecting the kingdom of God here on earth.
In Christ's love and peace,
Bishop Lanette Plambeck
Resident Bishop
Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church
A Message from Bishiop Lanette Plambeck on the General Conference
Friends in Christ,
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Hebrews 13:8, CEB
Since 1808, The United Methodist Church and its predecessor denominations, has upheld the Doctrinal Standards and Articles of Religion. As stated in Article I, we believe that, “There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” ¶104, 2016 Book of Discipline.
There are rumors abounding that we are changing our Articles of Religion and Doctrinal Standards—confession of faith. That is not true. Read our Articles of Religion and other foundational documents at this link: United Methodist Foundational Documents (umc.org).
The 2020 General Conference, held in 2024, voted to remove exclusionary language. This honors our love for God, scripture, and each other. To be clear, the removal of exclusionary language brings us back to a neutral place, where we were in 1968. A place where one single group is not discriminated against. It holds space for differing opinions within The United Methodist Church by avoiding broad mandates. It recognizes the imago Dei - image of God - in all of God’s beloved children. The United Methodist Church continues to be a place where everyone finds room to live out their faith and convictions.
General Conference voted by an overwhelming majority to remove from the Book of Discipline, discriminatory language and the bans related to ministry by, with, and for “self-avowed practicing” gay and lesbian people.
Nothing passed by General Conference or under consideration would require churches to receive an LGTBQ pastor. The right and responsibility to officiate weddings continues to be the decision of each clergyperson. Furthermore, each church’s ability to determine how to utilize their facilities for worship and weddings remains.
Let us remember that our love for Christ binds us together as beloved children of God. We stand on the promise that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Lanette Plambeck
Resident Bishop
Dakotas-Minnesota Area
The United Methodist Church
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Hebrews 13:8, CEB
Since 1808, The United Methodist Church and its predecessor denominations, has upheld the Doctrinal Standards and Articles of Religion. As stated in Article I, we believe that, “There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” ¶104, 2016 Book of Discipline.
There are rumors abounding that we are changing our Articles of Religion and Doctrinal Standards—confession of faith. That is not true. Read our Articles of Religion and other foundational documents at this link: United Methodist Foundational Documents (umc.org).
The 2020 General Conference, held in 2024, voted to remove exclusionary language. This honors our love for God, scripture, and each other. To be clear, the removal of exclusionary language brings us back to a neutral place, where we were in 1968. A place where one single group is not discriminated against. It holds space for differing opinions within The United Methodist Church by avoiding broad mandates. It recognizes the imago Dei - image of God - in all of God’s beloved children. The United Methodist Church continues to be a place where everyone finds room to live out their faith and convictions.
General Conference voted by an overwhelming majority to remove from the Book of Discipline, discriminatory language and the bans related to ministry by, with, and for “self-avowed practicing” gay and lesbian people.
Nothing passed by General Conference or under consideration would require churches to receive an LGTBQ pastor. The right and responsibility to officiate weddings continues to be the decision of each clergyperson. Furthermore, each church’s ability to determine how to utilize their facilities for worship and weddings remains.
Let us remember that our love for Christ binds us together as beloved children of God. We stand on the promise that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Lanette Plambeck
Resident Bishop
Dakotas-Minnesota Area
The United Methodist Church
A New Pastor for 2025
Dear members and friends of Brookings First UMC,
We recently shared the update regarding Pastor Pete’s departure at the end of 2024. With this knowledge, we have been in conversation with our District Superintendent. As the Cabinet has been in prayer and conversation with our Staff Parish Relations committee and drawing on the knowledge of the needs of churches throughout our Conference and gifts of our pastors, they have discerned an appointment of a pastor for Brookings First. Beginning January 1, 2025, Rev. Jen Tyler will be appointed as Senior Pastor at Brookings FUMC. Rev. Tyler currently serves as the Snr Pastor of Watertown First United Methodist Church. Pastor Jen has a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (Evanston IL) and MBS from Dakota Wesleyn University (Mitchell SD), and a BA in Sociology from Simpson College (Indianola, IA). Prior to ordination she served as a United Methodist missionary in South Africa and Washington DC.
Pastor Jen completes her work in Watertown at the end of June. Because of the unique timing of this appointment Pastor Jen will not be starting her appointment with us until January 1, 2025. The cabinet will be using Jen’s gifts in a unique and exciting way between July and December. Beginning July 1st, Pastor Jen will be appointed to the Conference staff as a Regional Strategist for the Brookings area. She will be partnering with our new district Superintendent Brandon Vetter and the UMC leadership of our region to discern and develop a missional response to the growing and diverse population of the Brookings community and surrounding area. We are excited for the ways in which this interim ministry will not only bless and impact our region, but also provide Pastor Jen with a great opportunity to learn about the Brookings mission field. Beyond that it will be an opportunity for Conference leadership to test new models of staffing and partnership within our Conference.
We invite you to be in prayer for Pastor Jen and the Watertown First congregation as well as for our church as we continue to move forward in mission and ministry.
Mark Stratton, Chair, Staff-Parish Relations
Rebecca Trefz, District Superintendent
We recently shared the update regarding Pastor Pete’s departure at the end of 2024. With this knowledge, we have been in conversation with our District Superintendent. As the Cabinet has been in prayer and conversation with our Staff Parish Relations committee and drawing on the knowledge of the needs of churches throughout our Conference and gifts of our pastors, they have discerned an appointment of a pastor for Brookings First. Beginning January 1, 2025, Rev. Jen Tyler will be appointed as Senior Pastor at Brookings FUMC. Rev. Tyler currently serves as the Snr Pastor of Watertown First United Methodist Church. Pastor Jen has a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (Evanston IL) and MBS from Dakota Wesleyn University (Mitchell SD), and a BA in Sociology from Simpson College (Indianola, IA). Prior to ordination she served as a United Methodist missionary in South Africa and Washington DC.
Pastor Jen completes her work in Watertown at the end of June. Because of the unique timing of this appointment Pastor Jen will not be starting her appointment with us until January 1, 2025. The cabinet will be using Jen’s gifts in a unique and exciting way between July and December. Beginning July 1st, Pastor Jen will be appointed to the Conference staff as a Regional Strategist for the Brookings area. She will be partnering with our new district Superintendent Brandon Vetter and the UMC leadership of our region to discern and develop a missional response to the growing and diverse population of the Brookings community and surrounding area. We are excited for the ways in which this interim ministry will not only bless and impact our region, but also provide Pastor Jen with a great opportunity to learn about the Brookings mission field. Beyond that it will be an opportunity for Conference leadership to test new models of staffing and partnership within our Conference.
We invite you to be in prayer for Pastor Jen and the Watertown First congregation as well as for our church as we continue to move forward in mission and ministry.
Mark Stratton, Chair, Staff-Parish Relations
Rebecca Trefz, District Superintendent
Letter to Congregation on Pastoral Care at Brookings FUMC
To the Members and Friends of Brookings First United Methodist Church,
Easter this year saw a wonderful gathering of our congregation. We reflected on the Amazing Marys of the Bible, we paused at the foot of the Cross, and we celebrated our faith in a resurrected Jesus. We continue to believe that God’s Grace holds our church, and our future. This letter is from both Pastor Pete and Mark Stratton – and is sent to promote transparency in the decision making of our church:
Pastor Pete: As you know, I led a mission team to South Africa. This was a time of great blessing both for the Methodist children’s home we worked at and for the team. Since coming back, I have had many people ask me if I have plans to return to my family. The answer is “yes I do”. I have three daughters and a grandson in South Africa, and I long to be with them. My visa to work in the USA expires at the end of this year and I will no longer be able to live and work here. In the light of this, I have been in discussion with our United Methodist District Superintendent, Rev Rebecca Trefz, as well as our Staff Parish Committee, about the best way to make this transition. I would want the transition to a new pastor to be a celebration of the good plans that God has for us all.
Mark Stratton: In light of Pastor Pete’s timeline, we have been in discussion with Rev. Trefz and the Bishop about the future pastoral needs of Brookings First UMC. Although the normal time for appointment changes in the UM system is July 1, we have requested, and the Cabinet agreed, that Pastor Pete serve as our pastor through the end of 2024, with a new senior pastor beginning in 2025. Because of this unique timeline and circumstances, the Dakotas Cabinet is working with us to be proactive in identifying a pastor to be appointed here next year. You as a congregation will be kept informed about this process. Please feel free to talk to me as the Chair of the Staff-Parish committee if you have any questions.
Please pray for our church as we seek to walk in obedience to the Lord.
Pastor Pete
Mark Stratton (Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Committee)
Easter this year saw a wonderful gathering of our congregation. We reflected on the Amazing Marys of the Bible, we paused at the foot of the Cross, and we celebrated our faith in a resurrected Jesus. We continue to believe that God’s Grace holds our church, and our future. This letter is from both Pastor Pete and Mark Stratton – and is sent to promote transparency in the decision making of our church:
Pastor Pete: As you know, I led a mission team to South Africa. This was a time of great blessing both for the Methodist children’s home we worked at and for the team. Since coming back, I have had many people ask me if I have plans to return to my family. The answer is “yes I do”. I have three daughters and a grandson in South Africa, and I long to be with them. My visa to work in the USA expires at the end of this year and I will no longer be able to live and work here. In the light of this, I have been in discussion with our United Methodist District Superintendent, Rev Rebecca Trefz, as well as our Staff Parish Committee, about the best way to make this transition. I would want the transition to a new pastor to be a celebration of the good plans that God has for us all.
Mark Stratton: In light of Pastor Pete’s timeline, we have been in discussion with Rev. Trefz and the Bishop about the future pastoral needs of Brookings First UMC. Although the normal time for appointment changes in the UM system is July 1, we have requested, and the Cabinet agreed, that Pastor Pete serve as our pastor through the end of 2024, with a new senior pastor beginning in 2025. Because of this unique timeline and circumstances, the Dakotas Cabinet is working with us to be proactive in identifying a pastor to be appointed here next year. You as a congregation will be kept informed about this process. Please feel free to talk to me as the Chair of the Staff-Parish committee if you have any questions.
Please pray for our church as we seek to walk in obedience to the Lord.
Pastor Pete
Mark Stratton (Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Committee)