About 270 people attended the luncheon entitled “Wellsprings of Justice,” featuring Bishop Minerva Carcaño. In 2004, Bishop Carcaño became the first Hispanic woman to be elected to the episcopacy of The United Methodist Church. She serves as the official spokesperson for the United Methodist Council of Bishops on the issue of immigration. Bishop Carcaño is a fierce advocate for human rights and social justice. A native of Edinburg, TX, she spent her early years aspiring to make a difference in the lives of persons who faced poverty and discrimination.
She shared with us poignant stories of children who have come across our borders, the dangerous conditions under which they were forced to leave their homes, and their arduous journeys to travel to the United States. But, instead of finding safe harbor, tens of thousands of children have gotten caught in a political limbo while our nation debates their fates.
All children have basic human rights, no matter what they look like or where they come from. Bishop Carcaño encouraged us to get involved with efforts to help these immigrants. Of special interest to her is the work of Justice for Our Neighbor (JFON). JFON is a ministry of hospitality that welcomes immigrants by providing low cost legal services and engaging in advocacy for immigrants’ rights.
MFSA donated $500 to Austin Region JFON in honor of Bishop Carcaño, and in addition, over $800 in donations for JFON were collected at the luncheon, for a total donation of over $1,300. To learn more about Austin Region JFON or to donate, go to http://www.jfonaustin.org/.
Bishop Carcaño Speaks to a full house about immigration, a topic that is dear to her heart.
Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action 
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