Church of the Brethren delegates will consider at this summer’s Annual Conference a resolution on immigration urging civil disobedience when government policies conflict with biblical teachings.

The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board issued the seven-page resolution during its March 13-15 meeting in Modesto, Calif.

“Walking Together: Immigration, Peacemaking, Conscience and Supporting One’s Neighbors” emphasizes the body’s longstanding commitment to nonviolent civil disobedience, including conscientious objection to war and offering sanctuary to refugees in church properties.

“Historically, when immigration law was inconsistent with Christ’s teachings, the Church of the Brethren has accepted civil disobedience in the form of providing sanctuary as a reasonable and, in some cases, necessary response,” states the resolution. “Today, there are many legal ways in which members of the Church of the Brethren can and have supported their immigrant neighbors.

“However, in cases where such actions are portrayed as against the law or if laws change moving forward, civil disobedience may be the faithful response.”

Calls to action include learning about refugee stories, building relationships rooted in trust, praying for immigrant families and communities, speaking up when policies harm families, supporting church members or staff who prayerfully participate in civil disobedience, and accepting inconvenience, misunderstanding or criticism.

The denomination considers immigrants deserving of support when migrating due to violence, climate change and economics. The resolution stresses that Church of the Brethren tradition holds civil disobedience is carried out only after discernment that seeks guidance of the Holy Spirit in a congregational context.

“The Church of the Brethren has historically emphasized community discernment as civil disobedience is considered a faithful action in service of the peace witness (nonviolence, conscientious objection) and toward the goal of standing with marginalized neighbors,” states the resolution. “Simplicity and humility have been helpful postures as Brethren discern the call to civil disobedience.”

Annual Conference is June 28-July 2 at Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne, Ind.