On a typical Friday at noon, most people in Springfield, Ohio, are sitting down to lunch. But today, over 200 people gathered at Grace United Methodist Church for the “Love Your Neighbor: Prayer, Praise, and Community” service to show their support for the local Haitian community, who has recently faced increased hostility due to negative media rhetoric.

Leaders from the Western Lakes District led the service, which included praise music, scripture readings, and a personal testimony from Theline*, a member of the Haitian community.

“It hasn’t been easy,” Theline shared. “Every day, we go to work, come home, and sometimes go to the store. Out there, people say hurtful things to us. But here, in church, we are family. We feel safe. We feel loved.”

In recent years, the Haitian community in Springfield and the surrounding county has grown to over 12,000, a growth credited with strengthening the local economy, according to a city website of frequently asked questions. Yet, false claims about these new legal immigrants have led to bomb threats which closed schools, caused evacuation of city buildings, and left local Haitians concerned for their safety. 

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung delivered the sermon, titled "Beloved Community for All."

“As people of faith, we stand here today to reject the discrimination, distrust, and hatred that plague not only Springfield but also the world,” said Bishop Jung, who immigrated from Korea and shared his own experiences with prejudice and hatred. “The hostility directed at Haitian immigrants and migrant workers must end.”

An offering was collected during the service to support the newly established "Love Your Neighbor: Haitian Assistance Fund," which will provide financial assistance to Haitian immigrants in Clark County affected by these recent events.

“There is no place for exclusion, hatred, or injustice,” Bishop Jung declared. “But there is plenty of room here in Springfield, Ohio, for us to dance together in unity.”

As he returned to his seat, a little girl began to dance in the aisle. Smiling, Bishop Jung joined her, and together, they danced in celebration of love, community, and hope.

By Kay Panovec and Amy Graham. Photo by: Kenzie Kuhn, West Ohio Conference Communications Team