Church of the Brethren to Consider Affirming Civil Disobedience

Delegates will vote on a resolution urging civil disobedience when government policies conflict with biblical teachings on immigration.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:10pm

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A cinematic painting of an empty church pew in warm, golden light and deep shadows, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation and moral dilemma.A church's prayerful consideration of civil disobedience in the face of unjust immigration policies.Fort Wayne Today

The Church of the Brethren will consider a resolution at its upcoming Annual Conference that would urge members to engage in civil disobedience when government immigration policies conflict with the denomination's biblical teachings on supporting immigrants and refugees. The resolution emphasizes the church's longstanding tradition of nonviolent civil disobedience, including providing sanctuary, and states that such actions may be a 'faithful response' if laws change to harm immigrant families.

Why it matters

This resolution reflects the Church of the Brethren's strong commitment to pacifism and social justice, particularly in support of marginalized immigrant and refugee communities. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between religious principles and government policies, and the role that faith-based civil disobedience can play when the two come into conflict.

The details

The seven-page resolution, titled 'Walking Together: Immigration, Peacemaking, Conscience and Supporting One's Neighbors,' was issued by the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board during its March meeting. It emphasizes the denomination's history of accepting civil disobedience, including providing sanctuary, when immigration laws have been 'inconsistent with Christ's teachings.' The resolution calls on Brethren members to take actions such as learning about refugee stories, building trust-based relationships, praying for immigrant communities, and supporting those who participate in civil disobedience.

  • The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will take place June 28-July 2, 2026 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  • The resolution was issued by the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board during its March 13-15, 2026 meeting in Modesto, California.

The players

Church of the Brethren

A historic peace church and one of the three main branches of the Anabaptist movement, known for its commitment to nonviolence, pacifism, and social justice.

Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board

The governing body that issued the resolution on immigration and civil disobedience during its March 2026 meeting.

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What’s next

Delegates at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in June 2026 will vote on whether to approve the resolution affirming civil disobedience in support of immigrant and refugee communities.

The takeaway

This resolution underscores the Church of the Brethren's longstanding commitment to pacifism and social justice, and its willingness to engage in civil disobedience when it believes government policies violate biblical teachings on welcoming the stranger and supporting the marginalized. It reflects the ongoing tensions between religious principles and government policies, and the role that faith-based activism can play in challenging unjust laws.