“Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza,” (“God is our refuge and strength,”) – Psalm 46:1
AMMPARO is a holistic, whole church commitment by the ELCA, as a church in the world, to accompany migrant families today and in the future.
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 in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Due to our connection to companion churches in the region, including companion synod relationships, and existing ministries in the U.S., the ELCA is well-positioned to help ensure that these vulnerable children are protected.
In a holistic, whole church response that connects international and US outcomes, the ELCA has developed this strategy based on the following commitments:
- Uphold and guarantee basic human rights and safety of migrant children and their families;
- Address the drivers of migration around the world and the treatment of migrants in transit;
- Work toward just and humane policies affecting migrants in and outside the U.S.; and
- Engage as a church body with all of its companions, affiliates and partners to respond to the migration situation and its causes and to advocate for migrant children and their families.
As siblings in Christ, the ELCA is called to bear witness to the conditions affecting so many communities and to work to find solutions that will acknowledge the humanity in all of God’s children. Join us in making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Get involved
Pray for the safety of migrants on the journey and for justice as they reach their destinations.
Become a Welcoming Congregation to accompany these migrant families through their transition to life in the U.S. www.elca.org/Resources/AMMPARO
Advocate for justice for migrant families. www.elca.org/Advocacy
Accompany migrant families through the Guardian Angel Program as the physical presence of the church in the courtroom. https://Vimeo.com/157458987
Give to AMMPARO to provide opportunities for migrant families in Central America and in the U.S. https://community.elca.org/ammparo-donation-form
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