Disciples Immigration Response Specialist Valeria Bejar Transitions-& Will Be Deeply Missed!
Please read Valeria's message shared below. As a partner with Valeria in her work, Refugee & Immigration Ministries wishes Valeria the best. We will miss her as a daily colleague, & look forward to her ongoing contributions as a Disciples leader in the future!
Read Valeria's message in Spanish HERE.
Disciples Colleagues,
For the past year and a half, I have had the joy and challenge of serving as your Disciples Immigration Response Specialist. In this role, I have worked in a three way partnership with the Central Pastoral Office of Hispanic Ministries, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries, and the College of Regional Ministers; represented through the Christian Church Capital Area.
Through multiple DACA changes, ICE raids, pandemic border closures, deportation defense campaigns, anti-racism training, and biblical reflections from immigrant perspectives shared in “IWOBS” (Immigrant Weekly Online Bible Studies), I’ve had the privilege of being a part of an immensely important conversation, “How do we treat our neighbor?” Through this conversation we have provided congregational and family resources to directly impacted communities and non-directly impacted communities to take action in meeting needs and create hope in a time when many, including myself are experiencing fears and uncertainties. Over these months, I have connected and led with both Disciples and with ecumenical partners around the country to lift up the voices of the immigrant community and continue to further the fight of justice for those who are deemed strangers to this land.
As this position ends at the close of 2020, I will be stepping into the beautiful unknown, seeking discernment regarding new forms of ministry and service . I hope you will check out some of the great insights shared by IWOBS presenters HERE. I also hope you may continue to join in our DACA TPS Prayers HERE. And if you’re interested in other work and projects that we’ve accomplished through this ministry you can browse through RIM.
There is still so much work of healing and justice to be done, la lucha sigue! With a sincere and appreciative heart I hope you will stay in touch. You may reach me after December 21st at: vbjear09@gmail.com
Valeria Bejar
Disciples of Christ Immigration Response Specialist
Especialista en Respuestas Inmigratorias de La Iglesia Disipulos de Cristo
“Valeria has always been exceptionally qualified to communicate her heart, deep faith, and clear understanding of immigrant realities to congregations and families. Her leadership consistently touches lives, offers theological insight, and has provided hope and healing across our Disciples churches and nation.” Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, Director, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries
“Valeria has brought an authentic voice and perspective to this critically important and timely work in the denomination and beyond. Her work for justice, equality and reconciliation is to be commended and she has been a powerful voice and testimony in this time.” Rev. Lori Tapia, National Pastor for Hispanic Ministries in the CC (DoC)
Questions or Comments?
Contact: sstanley@dhm.disciples.org, Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea,
Director, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries
