In 2025, the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia affirmed Migration with Dignity as a framework for faithful public witness and concrete action with migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people.
Migration with Dignity names a simple truth: every person is created in the image of God, and every migrant deserves dignity, safety, and a future.
Why This Matters
Holy Scripture calls the Church to proclaim good news to the poor and release to the captives (Luke 4:18–19). In our Baptismal Covenant, we promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons, strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. Migration with Dignity helps us put that promise into practice — through formation, direct support, and public advocacy.
The Migration with Dignity Principles
- A universal right of movement (including freedom to leave and return, and freedom of movement within one’s place of residence)
- The right to be secure from sexual violence, trafficking, slavery, forced labor, and arbitrary or abusive detention
- The right of equality before the law — without discrimination based on race, gender, language, religion, national origin, or political affiliation
- Rights to a basic quality of life including food, housing, and employment rights
- The right to access services such as healthcare, education, and legal representation
- Civil and political rights including identity, language, and freedom of speech and religion
General Convention Resolution C031 (2024)
At the 81st General Convention, The Episcopal Church affirmed Migration with Dignity as a framework to guide ministry with migrants and called Episcopalians to:
- Support migrants’ immediate needs (shelter, food, clothing, legal assistance, and more)
- Advocate for laws and policies that guarantee welcome, protection, and integration
- Strengthen a whole-of-church response through coordinated planning and shared resources
Diocese of Georgia Resolution (2025)
At the 204th Convention, the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia passed a resolution supporting Migration with Dignity and commending its use across the Diocese.
In summary, the Diocese:
- Affirms Migration with Dignity as adopted by the 81st General Convention
- Opposes policies and actions that strip migrants of rights, including mass detention and deportation
- Opposes actions that restrict asylum or deport people without due process
- Opposes enforcement actions within sensitive locations such as houses of worship, schools, and hospitals
- Calls Episcopalians to advocate at local, state, national, and international levels
- Urges a whole-of-church strategy and resource-sharing across the Episcopal Church
- Encourages diocesan participation in formation programs for learning, prayer, and action
- Expresses grave concern about 287(g) agreements, especially due to risks of racial profiling, erosion of community trust, and family separation
Migration with Dignity Sunday
Migration with Dignity Sunday is an opportunity to:
- Teach the six principles
- Pray for migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people
- Take a public step toward welcome, protection, and justice
Congregations may observe it on any Sunday in the Epiphany season, or any Sunday of the year.
Worship Resources
Use these resources in Eucharist, a prayer vigil, or a standalone service.
Prayers of the People (sample options)
- For our nation and its leaders, that they may treat migrants with dignity and compassion.
- For those traveling in danger, that they may find safety and welcome.
- For those detained, that the harms of detention may end and families be protected.
- For children separated from parents, that they may be reunited and healed.
Full Prayers of the people
Collect Options
Education & Study
Scripture Study Guide (Small Group / Adult Forum)
A Migration with Dignity study guide pairs each principle with Scripture, theological reflection, and discussion questions.
Suggested use:
- 45–60 minutes
- read 1 principle + Scripture
- discuss 3–5 questions
- close in prayer
Welcome Quilt Activity
Invite members to decorate “welcome quilt” squares and assemble them into a shared quilt of hospitality.
Study Guide!
Action & Advocacy
Migration with Dignity calls for both compassion and courage.
Direct Support
- shelter support
- food and clothing
- transportation and accompaniment
- legal referrals and fundraising
Advocacy
- contact local/state officials
- attend public meetings
- speak up for policies that welcome and protect migrants
- resist fear-based narratives with truth and neighbor-love
Starting Points
If your congregation wants a “first step,” use the Ladder of Engagement to move from learning → relationship → action.
Background & Research
Migration with Dignity was developed in environmental justice contexts and has grown into a legal and policy framework grounded in the concept of human dignity.