wfn.org | Disciples resettle nearly 900 refugees in 2000

[wshuffit@oc.disciples.org]

Date: February 8, 2001
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

01b-11

	INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Nearly 900 persons were resettled by Refugee and
Immigration Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in
2000. 

	That number (897) is about 10.8 percent of the caseload handled through
Church World Service. The Disciples of Christ is one of 10 denominations
that resettle refugees through the relief and development organization.  
 
	Cuba (183) and Bosnia (137) had the highest number of emigres, followed by
Ukraine (111) of the former USSR. Somalia (102) also is among the leaders.

	States or regions receiving the largest number of immigrants were Florida
(157) and Ohio (100), most of those coming from Cuba and Somalia,
respectively.

	Thirty-six Disciples congregations provided ministry to RIM-related
refugee arrivals during 2000. Seventeen were sponsors or co-sponsors and 19
provided other in-kind contributions. Twenty-five congregations assisted
local CWS affiliates with donations of space, goods or volunteers. Nine
others carried out refugee work through other resettlement programs. 

	Thirty-five congregations supported the Good Samaritan Ministries of the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest. The program
operates on the Texas/Mexico border.

	Refugee and Immigration Ministries is financially supported by Week of
Compassion.

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