Evangelicals and Illegal Immigrants

Immigration in Indiana and “The Christian Right”: Neither “Christian” nor “Right”

2011-06-25T10:14:00.009-04:00

Many of the “Christian Right” in Indiana think that the only Christian position on the immigration debate should be in favor of ridding our state of all illegal immigrants with whatever means possible. They presume that those who do not have documents are “illegals” and therefore should not have any rights. To them, it seems so simple, hinging primarily on obeying the law.

In the immigration debate, however, this position is neither “Christian” nor “Right” (as observed by a reader of the Indianapolis Star article, cf. Judge Issues Injunction on Indiana's Immigration Law (Indy Star, June 25, 2011). Not because these sincere believers are totally wrong. Rather, they are only partially right, emphasizing one principle while ignoring many others.

In reality, the immigration situation is so complex that a legalistic punitive approach such as the one currently in question in Indiana is not an appropriate response, neither from a Christian perspective nor from a view to justice. The complexities of the immigration problem in our state are explored in much greater depth in previous posts on this blog.

The Wesleyan Church has set forth biblical principles that ought to be applied in the search for a Christian response to the immigration problem in our state (cf. link in right hand column of this blog). Obeying the law of our land is certainly an important consideration. But there are many others of equal importance. The Wesleyan statement provides a balanced biblical perspective for all Christians to take into account, as together we strive to obey both God’s laws, all of which are right and just, and those of our government, inasmuch as they do not violate God’s higher laws.

Six Illegal Students Take Mike Delph to School

2011-05-12T08:47:00.000-04:00

Six undocumented students took Mike Delph to school on Monday, by protesting Indiana’s new immigration law and getting arrested. Their bold action serves as a reality check for Mike Delph, the original sponsor of the bill, and all Hoosiers as we look for a viable solution to the immigration problem. In reflection, four important lessons can be learned as we search for answers.

Not all Illegal Immigrants Arrived Yesterday.
Delph makes it sound like all “illegals” just came to Indiana yesterday. In reality, all of the students that were arrested had been here with their families for years. These six students are representative of thousands like them. Over a 100,000 undocumented persons now live in Indiana, including thousands of students. Many of them came here decades ago.

Most Illegal Immigrants are Doing all They Can.
Delph’s simplistic answer is that these students should just “go back home” and reenter our country legally. His naïve assumption is that it’s that easy. In reality, many undocumented persons living in Indiana have been here for years and do not have a home to go back too. Nor is there a line for them to stand in even if they were to leave our country and petition for reentry.

Not all Illegal Immigrants are a Drain on our Economy.
Delph’s assumption is that all illegal immigrants are costing Indiana taxpayers and not contributing anything to our economy. In reality, most illegal immigrants are hardworking taxpayers and make significant contributions to our economy. Many of them are giving much more than they are receiving in return. Plus their children represent a lot of potential, if we will just invest in them instead of marginalizing them.

The Illegal Immigration Problem Cannot Just Be Legislated Away.
Delph says that he is frustrated with ICE for not deporting these students. One would hope that our legislators are wise enough to craft laws that are enforceable. Any reasonable person can see that our government does not have the will or the resources to extradite all 12 million undocumented persons. Given that Delph has been obsessed for years to make Indiana’s laws the toughest in the nation against illegal immigrants, how could he be surprised by this outcome?

Plea for a Reasonable Approach to the Immigration Problem

2011-03-07T20:29:00.005-05:00

The message below was just sent to Senator Delph in response to his latest post:

Mike Delph's Unreasonable Approach to Immigration

Dear Senator Delph:

Your current approach to the immigration issue is unreasonably selective. For just one of many examples, you generalize and exaggerate about immigrants based upon individual situations. The result is polarization instead of dialogue in search of just solutions. The problem with such a radical approach is that many innocent people can be hurt, including thousands of children.

It's true that your radical rhetoric arouses some people. On the other hand, I am encouraged that a growing number of others are providing courageous leadership for these difficult times.

My prayer is that you too will see the wisdom in their balanced approach and join them in leading us into a better future for everyone in our great state. I realize that you've staked yourself out pretty far on this issue. But it is not too late to join with them in finding a just solution for everyone.

Dr. Norman G. Wilson

Will the Obsessed Persist without Listening?

2011-01-16T14:40:00.002-05:00

Will the obsessed persist without listening? This is a distinct and scary possibility in Senator Mike Delph’s situation. Senator Delph represents the Indiana district where I go to church, and reportedly he too is a church attender. In addition, he and I are aging white males and Hoosiers. Plus, as you will read below, there are other similarities between us. But it’s the differences that have me worried—for him, for our state, and more importantly for others like him who share his views and still claim to be Christians.

On Senator Delph’s part, I sense that he’s increasingly trapped by the obsession to press forward with draconian measures and egged on by a radical fringe group.

Below you will find our recent interactions:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Friday, January 14 (Written message I sent to Senator Delph via his web page):

Dear Senator Delph:

I’m happy that you had a nice Christmas and that you are still enjoying your tree. I note in the latest posting on your web page that you are also ready to unveil a revised version of your immigration bill. Hopefully it will be seasoned by a greater spirit of compassion and hospitality for all those involved.

Sincerely,

Norman

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Friday, January 14 (Voice message he left for me at my office phone):

Hey Norman Wilson. This is State Senator Mike Delph, giving you a call. We have introduced our Identities and Immigration Bill. You and I just philosophically disagree on the issue, which is fine. It’s America. I would encourage you to participate in our committee process. Senate Bill 590 is slated to be heard in the Senate committee on Pensions and Labor on Wednesday, February 2nd, at 9 AM, and I believe they are going to try to get that in the Senate chamber. It’s a bit more comprehensive than what I did last year. I think it’s tough, but fair. I’m sure you will have a different vantage point on the matter. Nevertheless, I hope all is well with you and the family and wish you all the best and hope you have a great weekend. Senator Delph.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sunday, January 16 (E-mail I sent to Senator Delph):

Dear Senator Delph,

Thank you for your gracious voice message last Friday. I am grateful that you took time to call me. Now I write you because I sense that you are a sincere person that is looking for thoughtful interaction on the matter of immigration in our state.

By the way, I just read that you have roots in Kentland and Frankfort and went to school at Purdue. I was born and raised in Lafayette, graduated from Jefferson High School, and then studied at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion and at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. My parents were also Hoosiers. My dad lived a number of years in Logansport and then Frankfort, and my mom was from Fowler. So it seems that you and I have similar roots. Admittedly my immediate family’s fifteen years in Latin America followed by our subsequent immersion in Latino culture here in Indiana have had a significant influence on my perspectives.

It’s true that you and I disagree in several key areas on the issue of immigration, although there are some basic areas of agreement.
• First, I with you love my state.
• Second, I agree with you that uncontrolled immigration is a problem.
• Third, I agree with you that every nation has a right to defend its borders and place reasonable guidelines on their workers.

My primary concern with your approach is that lots of innocent people will get hurt. Three things about your bill are troubling to me:

• First, requiring local police to ask for proof of legal residency if they have reasonable suspicion that a person is not a citizen or legal visitor would lend itself to profiling. This clearly feels like an anti-immigrant bias. I realize that you have included words designed to minimize this possibility, but I do not think that they are enough to protect us from this possibility.

• Second, the idea of implementing policies of English only also feels like an anti-immigrant bias. First generation immigrants in America have typically needed time to learn the language of the majority culture. Furthermore, America is not an English only country contrary to common views held by some in the Midwest. Entire states in the southwest of our country originally were part of Mexico, and many still have Spanish speaking communities that constitute a vibrant part of America today. It makes sense that we will have immigrants from those areas that have always been American citizens and still today speak Spanish as their heart language. I would like for Indiana to be a welcoming place for those Americans that would chose to immigrate to our state.

• Third, putting pressure on workers will inevitably hurt innocent children. I sensed the last time you and I met that calling attention to this concern is a frustration for you. The reality is that given the years that have passed without due attention to the immigration problem, thousands of innocent children would be negatively affected by your bill along with others with whom their lives have become intertwined in recent decades. The hurtful impact of your bill on these innocent people needs to be taken into account.

I realize the above concerns are not directly related to the impact your bill would have on our state’s economy. On that issue too, as you know, there are varied interpretations. I think it would be helpful for you to take a more comprehensive look at the data, instead of picking and choosing perspectives that favor your approach. For example, I still have not heard an honest recognition on your part of the number of positive ways that immigrants contribute to our state, both documented and undocumented. Plus I still haven’t seen a reasonable accounting of how the revenues from the taxes collected from undocumented immigrants are helping to offset the added expenses of caring for that population.

While radical conservatives seem to be energized by your approach, there is a significant number of Hoosiers looking for a more reasonable approach, of which I am one.

I am praying for you as you seek wisdom and guidance from above regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Norman G. Wilson

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In conclusion, I have a question and a request:

So, what do you think should be added to our conversation?

Would you join me in praying that God will guide Senator Delph and our other government leaders in addressing the immigration problem?

The DREAM Act and Politics

2010-12-09T09:13:00.006-05:00

I'm disillusioned by the political theatrics surrounding The DREAM Act. Yes, it's encouraging that the House passed it last night. If the Senate would only pass it too, it could provide new hope and a future for countless youth and young adults that were brought here years ago as innocent children without a choice and now find themselves trapped...at least for those who manage to navigate a host of new obstacles that were written into the latest version of the document.

But even if this Act would become law during the lame duck session, there still would be up to eleven million others that are in limbo and waiting on comprehensive immigration reform. In addition, another 30 to 40 million Hispanics are watching and waiting to see who will be a friend and advocate of all immigrants, the marginalized, and the forgotten. They will note and remember how this congress and the next responds or fails to respond.

Back to The DREAM Act, my colleague and friend Ken Schenck sums up the situation well in his latest blog post:

Wesleyans and The DREAM Act

Some may say that I'm just too much of an idealist. I'd like to believe that my passions and perspectives are shaped more by the values of our Lord's Kingdom than by the ways and views of this world (Please see my previous blogs for more rationale regarding this statement and links in the sidebar column for more information).

The Law-Obsessed "Christian" and The Illegal Immigrant:

2010-11-17T14:58:00.008-05:00

A Contemporary Paraphrase of Luke 18:9-14

9 To some who are confident of their own righteousness and look down on everyone else, consider this contemporary paraphrase of Jesus’ parable about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Law-Obsessed "Christian" and the other an Illegal Immigrant.

11 The law-obsessed "Christian" stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this illegal immigrant.

12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 But the illegal immigrant stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

(Based upon the idea of a highly-regarded colleague in the Theology department of the School where I teach and adapted from the New International Version.)

Wesleyan Pastors and Leaders Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

2010-11-07T18:57:00.002-05:00

Wesleyan Pastors and Leaders, this is your opportunity to add your voice to the call for comprehensive immigration reform. Recently Nazarenes and Wesleyans are joining the growing number of Evangelicals in favor of fixing the broken system, by circulating a letter asking President Obama to address the matter (see Nazarene and Wesleyan Clergy Ask for Comprehensive Immigration Reform below).

Are you surprised that Wesleyan and Nazarene pastors and leaders would take this position? Even though loud voices are expressing simplistic views against the need for reform, thoughtful followers of Christ are urged to consider the complexities of the current situation. Previous posts on this blog are a great place to begin, along with other links in the righthand column. I’m convinced that this is one of the most urgent moral issues facing the church today. Given our Wesleyan heritage, my hope and prayer is that our pastors and leaders will not hesitate to speak out with courage and clarity.

I've asked that my name be added as a signatory calling for comprehensive immigration reform. Please write me today to let me know that you would like to add your signature to this letter too.

Your brother in Christ,

Norman

*************************************************

Nazarene and Wesleyan Clergy Ask for Comprehensive Immigration Reform:

An Open Letter To President Obama, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate:

As denominational leaders, pastors of churches, and lay leaders in the Nazarene and Wesleyan denominations, we express to you our deep concern over the broken immigration system facing our nation. Because of Congress’s failure to pass immigration reform in the last several years, we have seen this debate spill over into states in ways that may divide our communities, confuse enforcement procedures and contribute to the hateful rhetoric, which is currently dominating the national dialogue.

The United States is home to immigrants of all backgrounds – Hispanic, European, Haitian, African, Asian, and so many others. When immigrant families are afraid to send their children to school, go to the grocery store, talk to the police during an emergency or even answer a knock at the door, regardless of the nature of their immigration status, we must speak up. A divided, polarized, and frightened community works in complete contrast to the message of Christ’s love and reconciliation we strive to communicate in our world. It is time to re-engage the immigration reform debate in a civil and respectful manner. Solutions should be sought that integrate both rule of law and love of the immigrant.

As Evangelical leaders in the tradition of John Wesley serving a diverse spectrum of churches around the country we are united in the belief that every human being is created in the image of God. We come together in the belief that Jesus calls us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, and also to welcome the stranger, regardless of immigration status. We too want immigration reform that respects the rule of law while providing a path to citizenship to those who want to integrate into the larger U.S. mosaic.

Consistent with our Wesleyan heritage and commitments to minister, love, and work with all people and in particular those whom Jesus called “the least of these” we support comprehensive immigration reform. We urge our policymakers to work constructively to address the challenges and complexities of immigration. We understand that we must enforce our borders and respect the rule of law in this country. Similarly, we must also look with compassion upon the immigrants who are here, working in all walks of life and contributing to the common good. A deep respect for the laws of the land calls for obedience, but also for the evaluation of the effectiveness and humanity of our laws. We assert that comprehensive immigration reform can do both.

As Evangelical Americans, in a country as diverse as ours, we should proudly embody our history and values as a welcoming nation. We pray that our politicians come together to craft fair and humane immigration reform as soon as possible, because a crisis of immigration policy that results in divided communities and families is also a crisis of the church. We are joining a Nazarene and Wesleyans for immigration reform campaign as a sign of our commitment to common-sense immigration reform that reflects our deepest and noblest faith values of respect for the law and love of neighbor.

Sincerely,

National Leadership: * (These are individual endorsements. Institutions are named for identification purposes only, they do not reflect institutional endorsement).*

Rev. Gabriel & Jeanette Salguero
Lead Pastors, The Lamb’s Church of the Nazarene
Nazarenes and Wesleyans for Immigration Reform

Dr. Jo Anne Lyon
General Superintendent
The Wesleyan Church
Fishers, IN

Dr. Jesse C. Middendorf
General Superintendent
Church of the Nazarene
Lenexa, KS

Dr. Jerry D. Porter
General Superintendent,
Church of the Nazarene
Lenexa, KS

Dr. J.K. Warrick
General Superintendent
Church of the Nazarene
Lenexa, KS

Dr. Oliver R. Phillips
Director, Mission Support USA/Canada
Church of the Nazarene
Lenexa, KS

Rev. Steve Strand
Director, Hispanic Ministries
The Wesleyan Church
Indianapolis, Indiana

District Leadership

Rev. Art Alexander
District Superintendent, Metro New York District
Church of the Nazarene
Valley Stream, NY

Dr. Roberto Hodgson District Superintendent, Southwest Latin American District Church of the Nazarene Shawnee, Kansas
Rev. Orlando R. Serrano
District Superintendent, Western Latin American District
Church of the Nazarene
Santa Fe Springs, CA

Dr. Mario J. Zani
Hispanic Ministries Coordinator, Oregon-Pacific District
Church of the Nazarene
Hillsboro, OR

Seminary and University Educators:

Dr. Ron Benefiel
President
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Kansas City, Missouri

Dr. Stacey L. Barker
Associate Professor and Program Chair,
Department of Social Work Co-Director/ The Center for Responsibility and Justice
Eastern Nazarene College Quincy, Massachusetts

Deborah L. Berho, PhD
Associate Professor of Spanish
George Fox University
Newberg, OR

Dr. Roger L. Hahn
Dean of the Faculty and Professor of New Testament
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Kansas City, MO

Andy Johnson, Ph.D.
Professor of New Testament
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Kansas City, MO

Michael Lodahl
Professor of Theology & World Religions
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, California

Rev. Dr. K. Steve McCormick
Professor of Historical Theology
William M. Greathouse Chair of Wesleyan-Holiness Theology
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Kansas City, MO

Dr. Eric Severson
Associate Professor of Philosophy; Co-Director of the Center for Responsibility and Justice
Eastern Nazarene College
Quincy, MA

Dr. William L. Selvidge
Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Kansas City, Missouri

Rev. Dr. Fletcher L. Tink
Executive Director/Academic Dean
Bresee Institute for Metro Ministries/City Vision College
Kansas City, MO.

Melissa Tucker
Associate Director of International Ministries
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA

Mrs. Jennie Williams
Campus Ministries Coordinator
Eastern Nazarene University
Quincy, MA

Andy Johnson, Ph.D.
Professor of New Testament
Nazarene Theological Seminary
1700 East Meyer Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64131

Clergy:

Rev. Ronald A. Benjamin Senior Associate Pastor Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene
Bronx, New York

Rev. Philip R. Hamner
Senior Pastor
Overland Park Church of the Nazarene
Overland Park, KS

Rev. Reynaldo Moralez
Lead Pastor
Luz y Vida Wesleyan Church
Wichita, KS

Rev. Bruce Chandler Paul
Ordained Elder, Church of the Nazarene
San Diego, CA

Dr. Mary Rearick Paul
Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene
San Diego, CA

Rev. Dr. Samuel Vassel
Senior Pastor
Bronx Bethany Church of the Magazine
Bronx, NY

Rev. Montague Williams
Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene
Boston, MA

Lay Voices:

Samuel N. Smith, esq.,
Immigration Lawyer
Samuel N. Smith, Attorney at Law
Fairfax, VA

Roger McCrummen, esq.,
McCrummen Immigration Law Group, LLC
Kansas City, MO

Mr. Jeffrey Sykes
Layperson
Overland Park Church of the Nazarene
Overland Park, KS

University Students:

Megan Ford
Student
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA

Ricardo Solano
College Student
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA

Blake Nelson
College Student
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA

Abigail Carr
College Student
Southern Nazarene University
Oklahoma City, OK

Evangelical Leaders Forum on Immigration

2010-10-01T15:28:00.001-04:00

Immigration Reform: Another Christian View. Such was the title of Alan Wisdom’s guest editorial in Christianity Today on July 13, 2010. As if a plurality of “Christian” perspectives are possible, and that one can just pick and choose verses in the Scriptures to support one’s preconceived notions. Sensing the bias of the article, it is not a surprise that Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 are cited almost immediately after attempting to discredit the relevance of Old Testament passages that urge God’s people to welcome strangers.

In contrast, participants in the Evangelical Leaders Forum on Immigration last Friday, September 24th, were reminded that true Christians ought to allow their perspectives to be shaped by the whole Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation. The Evangelical Forum on Immigration was sponsored by the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), World Relief, and The Wesleyan Church. Current church leaders had the opportunity to hear biblical perspective on immigration as well as ask tough questions about the controversial issue on the forefront of American politics and discussions.

So Who Is My Neighbor? (A Story and a Response)

2010-08-30T21:16:00.009-04:00

Which Story is True? Below is an anonymous response to my previous post. While I generally do not publish anonymous comments, I’m including this person’s comments here because they help to illustrate the importance of a story in expressing our worldview. As you read it, ask yourself what this story says about the worldview of the writer. Does it express a Christian worldview? Why? Or why not? Then afterward, I’ll give you my reactions.

Anonymous Writer:

The issue of illegal immigration could be likened to you having a spare bedroom in your home you hope to fill with a paid housekeeper. Before you find the housekeeper a man and his family move into your room without your permission. Seeing you are more wealthy than they are, they expect you to provide for all their worldly needs, including, food, clothing, medical bills, housing, etc. They plan to live there indefinitely in exactly the same way. They won't work for you, because they'd rather not. They won't learn your language because they'd rather not. They won't leave because you're a Christian, and you're expected to love them, and care for all their needs, expecting nothing in return. All the other Christians are telling you that you're doing the right thing by showing them this hospitality and love. So they stay with you until your dying day. End of story.

What are the Problems? Now, let’s go back to the beginning of this poor soul’s comments and see if we are looking at them in the same way.

Anonymous Writer:

The issue of illegal immigration could be likened to you having a spare bedroom in your home you hope to fill with a paid housekeeper.

A Different Worldview. Right off we can see that this person has a different worldview than that of a true Christian. Why? Because here the writer assumes that the house is his or her own property. In contrast, Christians consider that God is the owner of the house and that we are only His stewards. As Christians, we remember that everything we have comes from God, including the privilege of living in this land.

Anonymous Writer:

Before you find the housekeeper a man and his family move into your room without your permission.

But that’s not exactly the way it happened. On the contrary, permission has been granted by many in various ways, both overtly and tacitly. Over the past twenty years many people have come to live among us, with little protest by us as citizens until rather recently. Meanwhile, most of us have benefitted from the labor of these immigrants to build our homes, manicure our lawns, serve us in restaurants, and provide us low priced produce through their labors in our fields. And while we benefitted from their presence, they got married, settled down, bought houses and cars, and brought millions of innocent children into the world.

Meanwhile, from heaven’s view, God is the one who allows people to move “to and fro” on the face of the earth. While nations have a limited right to govern the lands entrusted to them, ultimately God is the one in charge. When He sees that a few are wealthy and well fed while millions starve, He in His permissive will allows peoples to move to new lands. This has happened many times over the centuries and today more people are displaced from their places of birth than ever before in history.

Anonymous Writer:

Seeing you are more wealthy than they are, they expect you to provide for all their worldly needs, including, food, clothing, medical bills, housing, etc. They plan to live there indefinitely in exactly the same way. They won't work for you, because they'd rather not.

Inaccurate Generalizations. Here too, this version of the story isn’t completely accurate from a Christian perspective. For one thing, not all twelve million undocumented immigrants have this kind of attitude or act this way. On the contrary, those who do are in the minority. Reading this description makes me wonder how many undocumented immigrants the writer of these comments actually knows personally. Most immigrants that I know are hard working, pay their taxes faithfully, and do the best they can to fulfill their obligations as much as they can under the circumstances.

Anonymous Writer:

They won't learn your language because they'd rather not.

This is Generally Not the Case. This comment too that makes me wonder if the writer knows many immigrants. Most of those that I know are trying to learn English (Learning a second language as an adult is not easy. I know! I have had to work very hard at it myself and still haven’t arrived). Many immigrants are making great progress. Plus nearly all their children are totally bilingual. Why do these immigrants work so hard at learning English? Because nearly everyone one of them I know dreams of becoming an American citizen someday and of fitting into this country and culture.

Anonymous Writer:

They won’t leave because you’re a Christian, and you’re expected to love them, and care for all their needs, expecting nothing in return. All the other Christians are telling you that you’re doing the right thing by showing them this hospitality and love. So they stay with you until your dying day. End of story.

Partly True, and Eternally False. Here, on one hand, I have to agree to a point. Our Father in heaven asks us to love strangers, sojourners, marginalized people and innocent children, and care for all those who have needs while expecting nothing in return from them. This is the example that Jesus gave us. On the other hand, for Christians, if we live this way, the day we die physically will not be the end of the story. Rather, it will be the beginning of a new and eternal life in God’s heavenly kingdom.

So you see, the immigration debate is very much about our worldview, whether Christian or otherwise, and the stories we tell. What story are you telling, and how do you see yourself fitting into it?

Who is My Neighbor? An Evangelical Leaders Forum on Immigration

2010-08-22T18:57:00.021-04:00

The Wesleyan Church, World Relief, and The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) will sponsor an Evangelical Leaders Forum on Immigration on Friday, September 24th, 2010, from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

Location: The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters, 13300 Olio Road, Fishers, IN 46037.

Guest presenters include Dr. Danny Carroll R., Distinguished Professor of the Old Testament at Denver Seminary, and Matthew Soerens, Co-author of Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate, and staff member of World Relief. In addition, Indiana US Senators Richard Lugar (R) and Evan Bayh (D) are invited to present political perspectives on this topic.

For more information, click on the following link: Evangelical Leaders Forum on Immigration

Immigration is one of the most complicated issues of our time. Voices on all sides argue strongly for action and change. Christians find themselves torn between the desire to uphold laws and the call to minister to the vulnerable.

Unfortunately, many Christians allow their views on immigration to be shaped more by voices in the world than by a balanced, Wholistic perspective based upon God's Word. Fortunately, The Wesleyan Church together with other Evangelical leaders are providing Biblical guidance for believers. Links to statements on immigration by each of these sponsoring organizations can be found in the right hand column of this blog.

Please RSVP to Jenny Hwang at advocacy@wr.org, Or call 443- 451-1969. There is no registration fee.

Growing Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

2010-08-12T19:39:00.003-04:00

Support for comprehensive immigration reform is growing among Evangelicals! Praise the Lord! (See links in the upper right hand side bar of this blog to Christian churches and organizations that have added their voice to the discussion.) We have the opportunity to make a difference, if we can come together around the biblical principles outlined on many of these Christian links.

Today I received the link to an excellent and informative document on this topic, entitled Thoughts on Immigration Reform, by Rich Nathan.

In addition, earlier this week I received a copy of a letter from the university where I teach expressing support for The DREAM Act (Information about this Act can be found in an earlier post on this blog). I plan to share the link regarding this letter of support as soon as it is available.

Still many evangelicals are uninformed about the complexities of the immigration problem. I am deeply concerned by our lack of unity on this matter and hesitation to do what is right. So let's keep passing the word that we can make a huge difference in the lives of millions of innocent children that are caught in this situation.

DREAM Act: Compassionate Help for Innocent Children

2010-07-28T10:48:00.003-04:00

Evangelicals, here is our opportunity to help thousands of innocent children that are suffering most from our nation's immigration problem.

The DREAM Act is a bipartisan initiative to motivate and assist immigrant children and youth to go to college, which currently is not possible for those whose parents are here without documents. In many cases, these children were born in our country and thus are American citizens. Others have been here for years.

Your support for this initiative is crucial. This is a strategic opportunity as fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ to put our faith into action.

For more information about this Act and how to support it, just click on this link: DREAM Act

So, who will answer the call to make a difference in the lives of these innocent children?

Wesleyan Pastor Goes to Prison for His Faith

2010-07-19T11:06:00.010-04:00

Rev. Gary Wiley, a Wesleyan minister, recently went to prison for his conviction that our country desperately needs comprehensive immigration reform. Way to go, Gary!

Click on Gary's Story to read his testimony at a press conference on July 1st in front of the White House .

I am grateful that The Wesleyan Church supports us in taking a stand against the suffering caused to millions of people, including lots of innocent children, by our country's broken immigration system . (To see the Immigration Position Statement of The Wesleyan Church, click on the link in the upper righthand column of this blog.)

Gary is right, this is a moral issue that calls for our response! All evangelicals are urged to stand with Gary in this just cause.

Illegal Immigration: Seven Talking Points among Christians

2010-06-28T10:59:00.008-04:00

Regarding the Wesleyan position on Immigration, Wesleyan Pastor Dan Walker just wrote me the following:

The conversations I've had, even with followers of Christ, seem to get divisive quickly. Have you found any effective ways for helping people see that immigration is more than a liberal/conservative issue?

My response? “Great question!”

I am thankful for it for two reasons. One, because I am primarily concerned about the way that Christians think, feel, and act regarding immigration, including illegal immigrants. Second, this question gives me an opportunity to propose some talking points among Christians.

So here they are:

1. This is a Conversation among Christians. This is a call for a conversation among all sincere followers of Jesus Christ. (At this point in our nation’s debate, I am not interested in talking with people that do not share our kingdom values. If all sincere followers of Jesus Christ would come together around Kingdom values and principles, we could truly change the world on this issue and many others as well.)

2. We are Citizens of Two Kingdoms. On one hand, we Christians are called to be submissive to the authority of our earthly country—Canada, The United States, etc. This includes obeying the laws of our land as much as possible. Every country has the right to defend its borders and enforce the laws of the land as long as they are reasonable and just. On the other hand, we are also citizens of a heavenly land—the Kingdom of God.

3. As Christians in This Country, We are Only Pilgrims in a Foreign Land. Frequently I hear believers say that our country is A Christian Nation, although history shows that this has never really been the case. It is true that a number of Biblical principles inspired our founding fathers. Even today, we can see God’s hand at work in many ways in our nation. However, America is not The Promised Land. Nor is This Land My Land and Your Land. It is God’s land, and we are only His stewards. Only by His grace was I was born into relative prosperity in this country while others are trapped in poverty.

4. We Are All Sinners Saved by God’s Grace. For some reason God has allowed millions of immigrants—legal and illegal—to come and live among us, some of them for several decades. No one is innocent or sinless before God. All of us need Salvation regardless of our ethnicity and legal status. Our ultimate hope is that our Father’s Kingdom will be come to pass on earth as it is in heaven. (For more on this point, see my blog post Good News for the Immigration Problem)

5. The Values and Principles of God’s Kingdom Should Have the Priority. Where there are conflicts between the laws of our country and the higher values and principles of our heavenly Kingdom, we owe our ultimate loyalty and obedience to God. The Immigration Statement of our church sets forth eight biblical principles that are in contrast with the views that are frequently heard in the media, on talk radio, and by the Tea Party. Many Christians who repeat these views are allowing the world to shape their thoughts more than the values and principles of our Lord’s Kingdom. In so doing, often they ignore the fact that submitting to the laws of our land is only one of many biblical principles. Furthermore, when the laws of our land are unjust and violate other more important biblical principles, we are called to obey God instead.

6. Jesus Cares about Marginalized People. Jesus gives special attention to those that the rest of the world often forgets—the poor, prisoners, the blind, the sick, strangers, immigrants (regardless of their legal status), women, and children. Furthermore, He calls us as citizens of God’s Kingdom to join Him and be His ambassadors of Good News in Christ Jesus. (Luke 4:18,19; 2 Corinthians 5:20)

7. My Greatest Concern is for Millions of Innocent Children. (Here I talk about several children that were either born here or brought to the states as young children. Today they live in the shadows with little or no hope of reaching their dreams, due to no fault of their own.)

So Dan, what do you think? Let me know if these talking points are helpful. In addition, I would welcome any suggestions on how to improve them.

More importantly, may God fill us with wisdom and courage to talk with our brothers and sisters in Christ about this topic. The adversary has many strongholds and we can expect opposition. On this matter, many of God’s people are allowing their thinking to conform to the pattern of this world. May we instead “be transformed by the renewing of [our minds]. Then [we] will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

Your fellow Ambassador for Christ,

Norman

All Wesleyans are Urged to Support the DREAM Act

2010-06-19T16:43:00.004-04:00

This is an urgent call to all Wesleyans to take a public stand for hundreds of children in our local churches. They are among millions of children that were brought to our country without documents. Many have been here for years but still are marginalized and suffer injustices daily. Our courage to speak out now in support of The DREAM Act can change their lives.

Let me anticipate five of your questions about this urgent call and answer them in the following paragraphs:

1. Why is this an urgent matter?
2. What is the DREAM Act?
3. Isn’t it wrong for Christians to support someone who is breaking the law by being in our country illegally?
4. But are Christians supposed to get involved in politics?
5. So how can you join me in making a difference on this issue?

1. Why is this an urgent matter?

Because every day thousands of children and young adults are deprived of opportunities…
• To live without fear of being deported,
• To have security of adequate food, housing, clothing, medical care, and
• To go to college and pursue their dreams.

Here's a link to a recent ABC report about a Harvard student, Eric Balderas, who also is an illegal immigrant. This is a typical example, although many others do not even manage to get into college because of their status as illegal immigrants.

2. So, What is the DREAM Act?

Basically, its purpose is to provide undocumented minors a pathway to conditional permanent residency and later citizenship under some basic conditions including the following:

• Have come to the USA as children (under the age of 16)
• Are long-term U.S. residents (5 years or more)
• Have good moral character
• Attend an institution of higher learning or enlist in the military for at least two years

In addition, the legislation would allow states to grant in-state tuition rates to alien students.

The goal is to urge its passage before the end of this year and hopefully begin to break the deadlock surrounding this polarizing issue. We have many children in our Hispanic churches in Indiana and across the nation that would benefit by this Act. More information is available at the DREAM Act.

3. Isn’t it wrong for Christians to support someone who is breaking the law by being in our country illegally?

No, it isn’t wrong. On the contrary, in this situation it is both right and just. While it is true that these minors are “breaking the law” by being here illegally, simply saying that they all need to just “go back home” is neither just nor biblical. Instead, this kind of response ignores the complexity of the problem and the fact that many other people are also responsible for their situation. For that reason, The Wesleyan Church has published the Wesleyan Immigration Position Statement to set forth a biblical perspective on this situation.

I am proud that Wesleyans have been in the forefront among Christian organizations on this matter, including those represented by the National Association of Evangelicals (see NAE Supports Comprehensive Immigration Reform), many mainline denominations, and The Catholic church (see Catholic Church Supports Immigration Reform). In addition, World Relief is a strong advocate for this just cause (see World Relief for Immigration Reform). There are also links to web sites for other organizations in the side bar at the upper right hand side of this blog page.

4. But are Christians supposed to get involved in politics?

Again, the answer is yes. In fact, we are commanded to be on the side of the poor, the hungry, children, widows, strangers, and immigrants. The idea that Christians are not supposed to speak out against these kinds of injustices is a lie of Satan. Sometimes taking a stand will require us to choose between the laws of our country and our higher duties as citizens of the Kingdom of God.

5. So how can you join me in making a difference on this issue?

• First, pray that God will intervene and guide us as His people in this matter
• Second, get acquainted with people in our immigrant Wesleyan churches and encourage them with your friendship, prayers, and support
• Third, read the proposed legislation at the Text of the DREAM Act
• Fourth, ask your government officials and representatives to support this legislation
• Fifth, join me in inviting others to join us in supporting this cause, including
o Your family, friends, and neighbors
o Our local churches
o Our districts
o Our colleges and universities

I look forward to your comments and thank you for joining me in this effort.

CALL FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

2010-01-06T15:13:00.017-05:00

WRITE YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES TODAY

This blog provides the rationale for Evangelical Christians to support comprehensive immigration reform. Now, I realize that there are still a lot of Evangelicals that are opposed to such reform. But I am also convinced that when sincerely devoted followers of Jesus Christ are fully informed about the big picture, most of them will change their minds and soften their hearts (and it probably won’t necessarily happen in that order).

For those of us who are already supportive of such reform, here’s a strategic opportunity for us to really make a difference on a public issue about which the Scriptures provide a number of clear principles, namely how we should treat the strangers and immigrants among us (see The Wesleyan Church’s Position Statement on Immigration).

For those who are still wondering how Evangelicals can support this position, check out the Call of the National Association of Evangelicals for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. As you prayerfully read this document, please keep in mind that this statement was drafted and supported by the top leaders of Evangelicals in our country.

So, how can we make a difference? Each one of us can write our government representatives and urge them to seek comprehensive immigration reform. Below is a letter sent to Indiana’s two senators and their responses, which are now a matter of public record.

If you agree, would you please take a few moments to send this letter to your senators and representatives? This action will raise their awareness and help to clarify their commitment to address this situation that is deeply affecting the thousands of innocent dependents of undocumented immigrants.

This link http://restorefairness.org provides the following form letter which can be e-mailed to your senators and representatives:

(Form letter, slightly edited from the original version)

Dear Legislator:

I am writing to urge you to support a comprehensive immigration reform bill to fix the broken immigration system. Any new immigration policy should respect American values of due process and fairness.

I hope you will ensure that new immigration policies will do the following:
1. Codify detention standards to provide humane conditions, medical care and legal counsel and stop the senseless deaths;
2. Provide secure alternatives to detention so that we stop locking up harmless individuals, children and people with severe medical conditions;
3. Enable judges to review DHS (department of homelands security) decisions and practices to prevent abuse and human rights violations;
4. Create a fair path to citizenship for the millions of hardworking individuals and families who live here.

You have a historic opportunity in the new year to demonstrate true American leadership, and uphold our founding values.

I look forward to your leadership on this urgent issue.

RESPONSES FROM INDIANA’S SENATORS:

So how will our senators and representatives respond to this call for action? For Indiana, we already have two responses.

SENATOR EVAN BAYH’S COMMITMENT (or embarrassing lack of one):

Below is the response of Indiana Senator Evan Bayh.

From: noreply@bayh.senate.gov
Subject: From the Office of Senator Evan Bayh
To:
Date: Tuesday, January 5, 2010, 2:19 PM

Dear Ms. Wilson:

Thank you for contacting me regarding immigration reform. I appreciate your thoughts and concerns on this serious issue.

After thorough consideration and listening to the concerns of people with strongly held views on both sides of this issue, I voted against the immigration bill (S. 1639).

The legislation ultimately failed by fourteen votes and was removed from further consideration by the Senate.

America is a nation of immigrants, and it is true that we must resolve the fact that 12 million undocumented immigrants currently live and work in this country.

But America is also a nation of laws, and our current immigration system is badly broken. Unfortunately, this deeply flawed plan does not secure our borders, does not respect family unity, and does not deal fairly with the hard-working immigrants who are already living here.

I voted 'no' because the Senate's approach is not a long-term answer to this country's undocumented immigration problem. We must find a sustainable solution so that we do not return to this divisive debate again and again every few years. The approach rejected would have left us with broken borders and broken immigrant families, driving our country further apart instead of closer together. Americans and those who long to be Americans deserve a better solution than that.

Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind should similar legislation be considered in the future.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope the information I have provided is helpful. My website http://bayh.senate.gov, can provide additional details about legislation and state projects, and you can also sign up to receive my monthly e-newsletter, The Bayh Bulletin, by clicking on the link at the top of my homepage. I value your input and hope you will continue to keep me informed of the issues important to you.

Office of Senator Evan Bayh
(202) 224-5623
Russell 131
Washington, D.C. 20510

SENATOR BAYH'S NON-COMMITTAL RESPONSE BEGS A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION: So what will be your next steps? This is a huge opportunity for you to be a proactive problem solver. Just keeping our “thoughts in mind should similar legislation be considered in the future…” is hardly an acceptable response for someone that we sent to Washington to look for solutions.

SENATOR RICHARD LUGAR—A TRUE STATESMAN:

On the other hand, in this traditionally conservative Republican state with highly vocal radical elements opposing immigration reform, Senator Richard Lugar’s response below regarding this issue is another evidence that he is a true statesman.

Dear Ms. Wilson:

Thank you for contacting me. I share your support for comprehensive immigration reform.

I have emphasized that immigration policy should be updated in a comprehensive way to provide some realistic solution to the status of the more than 11 million undocumented immigrants. I support measures to increase border security and enforcement, some provisions for a guest worker program, and a plan for potential earned citizenship - behind those who are here legally - for appropriate workers that pay fines, pass a thorough background check, and undergo extensive preparation for citizenship, including learning American civics and the English language. I also support the DREAM Act, a proposal to authorize the adjustment of status of alien college-bound students who are long-term residents.

I will continue to work closely with my colleagues in the Senate to address these important issues.

Thank you, again, for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,

Richard G. Lugar
United States Senator

RGL/cga

Do you receive The Lugar Letter? Send an email to newsletter@lugar.senate.gov to stay current with Senator Lugar's activities. The Lugar Letter archives are available at http://lugar.senate.gov/newsletter/

Top Ten Myths that Christians are Spreading about the Immigration Debate

2009-11-04T15:13:00.006-05:00

Check out my list below of the top ten myths that I have heard many Christians spread about the immigration debate. What do you think about this list? Do you agree? Disagree? Do you have questions? Are there other myths that you would add to the list?

Please note that I am writing to Christians. We must remember that first and foremost we are citizens of our Lord’s Kingdom and thus owe our first allegiance to our heavenly King. Only secondarily are we citizens of this country, although at times we may forget that we are only pilgrims passing through this land. So I present these myths not with an attitude of judgment, but rather with the idea that my brothers and sisters in Christ are spreading these myths out of ignorance. I hope that this post will prompt reflection, discussion, and a Christian response as we seek to be more faithful in obedience to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So, here is my list of the top ten myths that Christians are spreading about the immigration debate.

1. All Illegal Immigrants Sneaked into the Country.
Not true. Many came here on temporary work permits that were renewed various times by their employers. At some point, many employers tired of the growing complications and continued employing these workers without extending their work permits.

2. Illegal Immigrants are Taking the Jobs of Americans.

It is true that some immigrants are doing jobs that could be held by American citizens. But in many cases, employers hire immigrants because they cannot find American citizens that are willing to work for the wages that are offered. Are the employers paying enough? That is an appropriate question, and the answer in some cases is, “No, they are not.” Sometimes immigrants take jobs that American citizens are not willing to do, due to very demanding working conditions. However, in a free enterprise market, immigrants should not be faulted for taking jobs when they are offered to them.

3. All Illegal Immigrants Forged their Documents.

Again, this is not true for many immigrants that are called “illegal.” Many that immigrated here and overstayed their work visas originally were granted driver’s licenses and drove legally for years until their licenses were revoked recently due to the lack of social security numbers. As a result now, many do not have any documents, thus it is more appropriate to use the term “undocumented immigrants.” On the other hand, it is not appropriate to refer to these people as “illegals,” as that term dehumanizes individuals who are created in God’s image.

4. All Illegal Immigrants are Criminals.

The rationale here often is that not having documents makes one illegal. That is a pretty broad and inappropriate use of the term “illegal,” as the offense of overstaying one’s visa is closer to that of a speeding ticket or a loitering citation. In most states, these infractions are referred to as misdemeanors and do not rise to the level of calling one a criminal.

In recent months, many are now being racially profiled, pursued and turned into “repeat offenders.” Are they breaking the law by continuing to drive? Yes, of course. Nevertheless, there are few if any other viable alternatives available to them if they are to provide for their families. I personally have seen long lines of immigrants in traffic courts on various occasions, often over 90% of all those present. As a result, our government today is criminalizing a growing group of marginalized people as the result of what originally were minor offenses. I am not justifying that they have broken the law, but just trying to put their situation into proper perspective.

5. Illegal Immigrants Do Not Pay Taxes.

Again this is patently untrue. The vast majority of working immigrants are paying taxes under an IRS issued I-10 number. This is important to them, given their desire to show someday that they have done all they can to qualify for American citizenship. Meanwhile, these revenues are mingled with funds from other sources, and as of a year ago, at least, the government was not even keeping track of how much comes into this general fund from undocumented immigrants.

6. Illegal Immigrants Do Not Want to Learn to Speak English.

On the contrary. Most immigrants are working hard to learn to speak English and succeeding quite well. But learning a second language is not easy for most adults. I have discovered that many of the critics who spread this myth have not learned another language themselves.

7. Christians should always obey the law.

Again this is an untrue statement. Sure, every Christian should submit to the laws of one’s own country as much as possible, but with one very important caveat. We are ultimately citizens of our Lord’s Kingdom and should be willing and ready to speak out against unjust and hurtful laws of the land. I believe this day has now arrived in many places across our nation because of the way that immigrants are being treated. By suspending driver’s licenses and enacting and enforcing tough laws that penalize many who have been here for years, millions of innocent peoples are being hurt and families are being separated.

8. Comprehensive Reform is the same as Amnesty.

This is a bald lie for propaganda purposes. On one hand, amnesty means granting full status without any conditions or penalties. I do not favor amnesty, nor am I aware of anyone else in their right mind that does. On the other hand, comprehensive reform is the only reasonable way forward. Right now, there are no other viable ways out of this mess, which currently is causing over 12 million people to live in the shadows. For this reason, many churches have finally gone on record as favoring comprehensive immigration reform (see links in the sidebar of this blog). A good plan should include background checks (to identify and exclude true criminals), penalties, probation periods, and other steps along a pathway to citizenship. In many cases, the process may need to take years before one becomes a US citizen.

9. Illegal immigrants should just go back to their home country.

This may sound like a simple solution on the surface. However, the reality is that going back “home” is not an option for many of those that are here. They sold everything years ago (which in lots of cases was not much anyway), left their lands of birth to immigrate to our country, and now have absolutely nothing to which to return…no jobs, no possessions, and no family. In the meantime, the economies and living conditions in many of their home countries are deplorable, due in part to our country’s economic policies. In addition, we need to keep in mind that many of their children were born here and are now American citizens.

10. The Problem of Illegal Immigration will just go away.

While I have not heard anyone state this openly, we have been acting for over twenty years as though we think this problem will just disappear. However, just the opposite is true. The longer we delay, the more we are hurting millions of people and ourselves too. The vast majority of those who are here will not “go back home.” They have made many sacrifices to come to our country and are committed to make it work out, no matter how long it takes. The longer we delay, the more we miss the opportunity to invest in the upcoming generation of their growing children.

A close version of this myth is to claim that we did not cause this problem and thus should not be held responsible. In reality, as responsible citizens in a democratic society, when we fail to speak up, after awhile our silence becomes acquiescence. Maybe not right away. However, over twenty-three years have passed since Reagan granted amnesty to around 2.5 million people. Since then, our government has been remiss, millions more are now here in similar circumstances, and way too many Christians are still silent. Meanwhile, many of these 12 million undocumented immigrants are accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior and are looking to us for guidance and help.

So what can I do, I hope you are asking. Here are three practical suggestions:

1. Join in prayer with others, for wisdom and for the millions of people that are affected by this problem

2. Be informed, by checking out the links on this blog and by seeking out news sources that have balanced coverage regarding this issue

3. Write your governor, senators, and representatives, to ask them to support comprehensive immigration reform

Call for All Christians to Protest the Harsh Application of our Laws:

2009-10-18T21:18:00.013-04:00

Suspended Licenses Used to Separate Families and Hurt Innocent Children

Now is the time for all true Christians to rise up and protest the Indiana government’s harsh treatment of thousands of our brothers and sisters in Christ. While government officials may be following the letter of the law, their actions today are hurting thousands of innocent children and their families! As Christians, we are instructed by our Lord to support our government and obey the laws of the land, except when higher Kingdom principles and values are violated. Today this is the case, and it is time for all citizens of our Lord’s Kingdom to rise up in defense of our brothers and sisters in Christ that are suffering. (For more on the Bible’s teaching on this matter, see links to the right of position statements by The Wesleyan Church, the National Association of Evangelicals, and other Christian organizations.)

Beginning in early 2008, up to 120,000 driver’s licenses in Indiana were suspended, by targeting those who did not have a social security number. As a result, now hundreds of families have been separated and thousands of innocent children are hurting, and the number of victims continues to grow each day!

Many of these victims are immigrants that first came here on work visas and have lived in our state for years. For more than twenty years, we welcomed them, issued them valid driver’s licenses based upon documents that included tax ID numbers and rent receipts, allowed them to build our homes and serve us in our restaurants, and employed them to work in our businesses. They have faithfully paid state and federal taxes, are buying homes, and have children in our schools. For years we offered them Hoosier Hospitality, saying with our actions, “Welcome, we are glad that you have come to live among us.” Now this Hoosier Hospitality has turned into Hoosier Hostility and persecution.

How, you ask? Last year our government made an about face and began to pressure these immigrants to leave our state, issuing traffic tickets for driving without a “valid driver’s license” and levying harsh fines and jail sentences. I personally have learned of various cases that strongly suggest racial profiling by the police. As a result, today thousands are trapped in their adoptive homeland with nowhere to go. Years ago most of them left everything behind in their land of birth to come to our country. Now their car insurance payments have skyrocketed and their homes are in danger of foreclosure. If these traffic laws would have been implemented years ago, the current practices by our police may have been more appropriate. Now it is too late to take such a harsh approach!

The church that I attend with my wife welcomes these persecuted foreigners. Every week visitors come to our services and accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. We are honored to embrace them as our brothers and sisters in Christ. Tragically, many in our church are being victimized by our government’s cruel about face and harsh persecution based upon their invalidated driver’s licenses. Most are hard working responsible people. But today, they are being criminalized through our government’s pernicious scheme.

This past month, Carlos, my fellow believer, spent two weeks in jail for driving without a valid driver’s license in Carmel, while his wife and two children were left to fend for themselves. Two weeks ago, Rodolfo, my brother in Christ, was stopped in Fishers, given a traffic ticket, and summoned to appear in court. Last night, José was pulled over in Westfield by a police officer who matched the license plate with Jose’s invalidated license. Each of my brothers in Christ has a wife and children that depend upon them for food, clothing, love, and care. Each one is faithful in their church attendance and in tithing. Every family in our church has been touched by our government’s harsh persecution through this tactic.

Now is the time to pass the word, by forwarding the address of this blog to all serious followers of Jesus Christ. No longer can true believers remain silent. Please join me, as together we rise up in defense of our marginalized and persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. Your words of support and protest are desperately needed right now, to encourage God’s people and to let our government leaders know that their actions are not pleasing in God’s sight. (Also, please join me in praying for these leaders and police officers. Some of them are fellow believers, caught between enforcing the laws of our land and obeying our Lord’s commands.) Thank you in advance for standing firm with us, as together pray and yearn for God’s kingdom to come to pass on this earth as it is in heaven, with justice, compassion, mercy and love for all.

NAE Supports Comprehensive Immigration Reform!

2009-10-10T11:09:00.006-04:00

Today my prayer is, “God, please forgive me for wavering! And thank you for The Wesleyan Church!”

Just two days ago, the National Association of Evangelicals boldly approved a resolution supporting comprehensive immigration reform! Praise the Lord!

This is a huge answer to the prayers of a growing number of Wesleyans who are aware of the complexities of our nation’s immigration debate and burdened over the suffering of millions of undocumented people, including countless innocent dependents and children.

See the press release and statement at the following links:

Press Release on NAE Resolution

http://www.nae.net/news-and-events/349-press-release-nae-approves-resolution-supporting-comprehensive-immigration-reform

NAE Statement on Immigration

http://www.nae.net/resolutions/347-immigration-2009

When I saw that The Wesleyan Church was one of three denominations listed with resolutions on immigration, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for our courageous leaders, including our General Superintendents and the thousands of Wesleyan pastors and lay people who understand these biblical perspectives and share our passion for justice!

Admittedly I had a twinge of remorse when I read my own comments after our church’s position statement: “…I can’t speak officially for The Wesleyan Church regarding our church’s position on the present immigration laws. Nor do I think we should take an official position.” While it’s true that I can’t speak officially for The Wesleyan Church, I regret saying that we should not take an official position! On the contrary, all believers and churches should stand boldly against laws that hurt innocent people and do not please God!

Position of The Wesleyan Church on Immigration

http://www.wesleyan.org/gc/blog/positional_letters/?p=6

Please, forgive me, God, for wavering! And thank you for The Wesleyan Church!

Would you join me in prayer that God will bless and use us together in this just cause that is dear to His heart? May He purge our hearts of all racism and complacency and move us to bold action as His ambassadors. May His Kingdom come to pass today on earth as it is in heaven!

Where are the True Evangelicals?

2009-08-17T21:19:00.011-04:00

Christianty Today just posted another article on the immigration problem, this time reporting on a brewing disagreement regarding a proposed "tactic" to press our government for immigration reform (see link below). This situation is due in large part to the awkward silence on this issue by millions of others who also call ourselves "Evangelicals." As a result, these marginalized peoples, including many of our brothers and sisters in Christ, are left to speak for themselves.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/september/6.17.html

So, Where are the True Evangelicals in this land from every people group, land and tongue? Where is that groundswell of believers whose citizenship and first loyalties are in our Lord's eternal kingdom rather than in an earthly one? Why are these heavenly citizens not united and mobilized around the Biblical principles of compassion, hospitality, human dignity, service, and support for those who are trapped without documents and viable options for the future? Why is there no groundswell of radical Jesus followers, united in their commitment to stand alongside our marginalized brothers and sisters in Christ? Is it really possible that True Evangelicals have been blinded by the reductionist assertion that the Biblical principle of obedience to law should trump all other Biblical principles, thus excusing true followers of Jesus from taking a stand?

Those who would consider themselves True Evangelicals can no longer linger on the sidelines of this debate. It's time to join together in support of comprehensive immigration reform to bring millions of marginalized people out of the shadows, including many of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

May every believer, local church and Christian organization join together in this cause, calling for a solution to the immigration problem in our land. Then may our unity in this endeavor be a witness to the "Good News" of true freedom that only Christ can bring to a sinful world.

Christianity Today Addresses the Immigration Mess: Both Encouraging and Troubling

2009-06-10T09:51:00.005-04:00

Christianity Today addresses the immigration mess, speaking clearly from a strong biblical perspective--finally! In the lead article, entitled: "The Soul of the Border Crisis," local churches and evangelical believers are called upon to get involved. Check it out at the following link:

(http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/june/17.18.html)

However, results from a poll that accompanies the article are revealing and troubling. More than 4 out of 10 respondents said that they either did not know any illegal immigrants or were not aware of it if they did. If a significant percentage of CT's readership are Christians and these results represent the general population (admittedly two assumptions that cannot be substantiated), then one wonders why so many of us are not aware of the plight of millions of immigrants and strangers in our midst and seeking ways to reach out to those among us who are marginalized and most vulnerable.

At least we can pray and hope the this recent publication by CT will awaken us who claim to be followers of Christ and prompt us to reach out in His name.

FOOTNOTE: Also check out my recently published article in the Journal of The American Society for Church Growth entitled "Evangelism and Social Action--Revisting an Old Debate: Good News for Immigrants and Evangelicals Too" (Volume 20, Winter 2009), a draft of which is also posted on my blog entitled "Global Ambassadors" at the following link:

http://globalambassadors.blogspot.com/

Police Shakedowns Not an Isolated Incident!

2008-12-19T11:37:00.005-05:00

The Indianapolis Star reported yesterday on the sentencing of Scott Fross, Westfield police officer, for shaking down Latino drivers in 2007. Kudos to the Star for this report. Check it out at the following address:

http://www.indystar.com/article/20081218/LOCAL0103/812180323/1114

Readers are encouraged to note the contrasting perspectives of the city representatives and those of the Hispanic spokespeople.

On the one hand, Mayor Andy Cook and Chief Kevin Jowitt seem oblivious to this widespread problem (although Jowitt does express a bit of skepticism). Clearly they're not in tune with the people who are victims of this problem in their own community!

On the other hand, Westfield Middle School Principle Ed Mendoza and Margie Chavez of ALMA (the Association of Mexican Leaders in Action) were gracious yet discretely guarded in their assessments. Why? They no doubt interact with Hispanics regularly and have their confidence. Thus they know that these are not just isolated incidents.

Nor is it a coincidence that my previous blog post is about these very kinds of abuses (see below)!

I do agree with Chavez when she said, "We're 20 years behind everyone else." Although here too she was too gracious. It's more like fifty years!

Rogue Cop Log

2008-11-27T08:53:00.007-05:00

Another rogue cop is on the loose. Yesterday Veronica was pulled over in Carmel, Indiana. Why?

“Because you were going too slow,” replied the policeman. “You don’t have a license? Probably don’t have a social security number either. If your children weren’t with you, I’d take you straight to jail.”

This cop's comments were clearly out-of-bounds, although Veronica didn’t feel like she could defend herself from this harassment anyway. Meanwhile, her three young girls were crying in the back seat, terrified.

Renegade Profiling, Pretexts, and Threats

Reports like this of police in Indiana harassing anyone who looks different are on the rise. It appears to be part of a concerted effort by government officials and legislators to take the immigration problem into their own hands, including Mitch Daniels, Todd Rokita, and Mike Delph. Some of them admit that they are simply going by the playbook of other states. If the federal government won’t fix the problem, then the idea is to make life miserable for anyone suspicious.

Tragically, measures that may have been more appropriate a couple of decades ago when many undocumented people were settling in Indiana are now hurting thousands of innocent dependents and vulnerable children. Many of these immigrants have lived in Indiana for years, gotten married, have children, and been responsible citizens in every possible way except for their immigrant status due in many cases to the ineptness of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Open Hunting Season by Indiana Officials and Defenders

In broad strokes, it goes like this. To begin, several months ago the licenses of an estimated 55,000 Indiana drivers were summarily revoked based on the lack of a match with valid social security numbers. This was followed by a failed campaign to give police broader powers to detain anyone who doesn't have documents while checking with immigration authorities. Meanwhile Mike Delph, state senator from Carmel, pushed without success for more stringent restrictions against anyone who hires someone without their documents in order. So now it’s open hunting season, even on those who been here for years—driving responsibly, demonstrating an excellent work ethic, paying their taxes, and contributing in multiple ways to our state and economy.

Hoosier Hospitality or Hoosier Harassment?

Fortunately, Veronica’s children still have their mother with them this Thanksgiving, despite the cruel antics of a rogue cop. Hoosier hospitality in Indiana? There’s sure a lot less of it these days. Instead, Hoosier harassment by our government officials and defenders seems to be on the rise.

Dear Senator Mike Delph:

2008-10-10T13:40:00.000-04:00

I am very honored and grateful that we had the opportunity to talk personally this past Tuesday at the meeting in the State House. I was encouraged by the questions and interactions and appreciated your attitude very much.

Clearly we share a number similar concerns for the immigrant community, and I can sense that you are a man of compassion and moral convictions. I can appreciate the fact that you are looking for a way to address the abuses of unscrupulous employers against their undocumented workers. Still, a large part of the Hispanic community sees your approach as a veiled attempt to put the squeeze on these workers, and my sense is that it would have this effect even though this may not be your intent.

Regarding one possible difference of perspective between us, I think that I would favor more strongly a comprehensive approach to addressing this problem than you would for two reasons that are really the same with a different focus.

1. Many of the people that will be affected by policy changes and increased enforcement have been here for years, including both undocumented and documented persons.
2. Those who would be affected now have families with a lot more innocent children than we may realize.

I understand that this current situation is mainly due to negligence, poor coordination, and complicity by our Federal Government from 1986 to the present, but that’s the hand that we’ve been dealt. On one hand, I realize that opponents to comprehensive reform equate it with amnesty, to which they are categorically opposed. Thus the impasse. On the other hand, a piecemeal approach today will hurt too many people.

For these reasons, I would be a lot more comfortable with your bill if it were included as a provision in a more comprehensive approach that directly addresses the situation of the undocumented persons and their families living among us, taking into account things like
1. the length of time they have been in the country,
2. proof of no criminal record,
3. proof of paid taxes and fulfillment of other civic responsibilities,
4. ways to attend to the needs of the dependents that would be affected,
5. pathways to normalize their situations and bring them out of the shadows,
6. Etc. (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list)

My main disappointment on Tuesday was to learn that we still are lacking solid data regarding crucial information such as
1. The numbers of people both documented and undocumented that would be affected, and
2. The amount of revenues that our government receives from the I-9 tax filings by undocumented workers (I think the total may be surprising, as all those that I know are paying their taxes faithfully in hopes that this will help their cases with the INS).

As I consider the huge and complex challenges that you and your colleagues face regarding this issue, I am convinced that statesmanship is the only viable way forward. I sense that you could help to provide this kind of leadership with the help of God. For these reasons, you can be assured of my thoughts and prayers.

Respectfully,

Norman

Immigration Policies in Indiana

2008-10-09T15:50:00.000-04:00

My Testimony to the

Indiana Interim Study Committee

on Immigration Issues

(Tuesday, October 7, 2008)

***************************************

Following is an abridged text of my testimony to the Indiana Interim Study Committee on Immigration Issues regarding the effect of immigration policy on religious communities. Three other representatives also gave their testimonies. I sensed a sincere desire by the Committee members to learn about this matter. Their questions were insightful, and they seemed appreciative of our involvement in this way. Please join me in praying for the members of this Committee, that God will guide them as they seek an appropriate response to the immigration situation in our state.

**************************************

First, I want to begin by thanking you for this opportunity to give my testimony regarding the effects of immigration policy on religious communities. I am a Hoosier and have lived in Lafayette, Marion, and Indianapolis for all but fifteen years of my life. During twelve of those years away, my wife and I lived in Latin America—in Costa Rica, Peru, and Puerto Rico. Currently we attend a Hispanic church in the greater Indianapolis area where we were among the founding members eight years ago. So I come to you as a Hoosier and also as a person of faith.

Second, I want you to know that I share similar concerns with most of you regarding the immigration problem. So I’m grateful for this study committee and for your serious and responsible approach to your assignment. You are demonstrating your awareness of the complexities of this situation, as you explore the possible human impact of our state’s immigration policy.

Third, based upon my years of acquaintances with Hispanics here in Indiana, I want to emphasize the following realities:

That the vast majority of undocumented immigrants do not fit the stereotype of “illegals” that is often portrayed in the press and media, that is of recently arrived single men idly standing around on downtown street corners.

Instead, most of the undocumented people that I know have been here in Indiana for five, six, eight or ten years or more, they have stable marriages and children, and the majority work hard in the jobs they find and are appreciated for the quality of their work and their dependability.

The primary reason they came to the states is to find a better life for themselves and their children. They were encouraged by the success of previous immigrants who gained citizenship through the amnesty program in the mid-1980s. Those I know did not come in the back of a crowded truck. Instead, they came to Indiana one by one much like you or I would move from one state to another in search of a better job. Many entered our country with tourist or student visas or temporary work permits and now, years later, have practically cut all ties with their homeland. Today they are striving to make a new life for themselves and their families here and are doing their best to live in a responsible way—working hard, paying taxes and buying homes.

Fourth, we all know that the immigration system is broken, and for years our nation has been ambivalent regarding how to react to these immigrants. Meanwhile, many of us have benefitted from their presence among us. They’ve helped to harvest our crops, build our homes, care for our lawns, serve us in restaurants, and work in our banks and increasingly throughout our manufacturing and business sector. The ambivalent way that our nation and state has reacted for so many years to these immigrants living among us could be compared to a common law marriage to which we have given tacit approval. Now, because we have not reacted otherwise in a timely manner, there are thousands of children to take into account.

Fifth, the more recent push at the state level to address this immigration problem has made life increasingly difficult for these longtime, hardworking and otherwise responsible Hispanics and their families in our state. Here I am referring to actions like the no-match letters that resulted earlier this year in the suspension of reportedly 50,000 to 55,000 driver’s licenses. Previously they were able to hold licenses based upon less stringent documentation requirements, even while their cases languished in the Immigration and Naturalization Office. Now their licenses have been suspended because they have not yet received a social security number. For many that I know, returning to their home country with their families is not a viable option. Consequently, they have few choices other than to drive without a license in order to provide for their families.

The legislation proposed during the last session to penalize the employers of undocumented workers was also designed to squeeze these immigrant residents. Twenty years ago, these kinds of punitive measures alone may have been more appropriate. But not today given the history and complexities of the current situation and the thousands of people that would now be adversely affected.

To wrap up my comments, I want to call our attention to three basic principles that I believe are relevant to the immigration situation:

1. That all people are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is noteworthy that this statement by our founding fathers made no distinction between those who are documented and those who arrive here with nothing in their hands. Nor does the poem at the Statue of Liberty by Emma Lazarus make such a distinction.

Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

This principle regarding certain unalienable rights for all who come to live among us is core to who we are as a people and a nation. So also is a second important principle.

2. That as residents and citizens of this nation and as moral persons, we ought to respect and submit to the laws of the land, except when they are in contradiction to higher principles.

This second principle is crucial, and its caveat is vital to a government of, by and for the people. The laws of the land must be obeyed and upheld, but they should not be allowed to trump other higher principles of human life and morality. There are times when we are called as persons with a moral compass to call into question the laws of the land, even though by doing so we as residents and citizens may risk being punished ourselves.

However, my primarily purpose today is not to call attention to the effect of immigration policies on the undocumented adult immigrants among us. Rather, my primary purpose is to call our attention to the effect of these policies on the thousands of children that are the innocent dependents of these adult immigrants. Recent estimates suggest that the number of undocumented immigrants in Indiana may be as many as 100,000 to 120,000, and I believe that at least a third of that number must be children.

Some will counter, “But the ones who are responsible are their undocumented parents.” And I agree. However, when children are put in harm’s way because of the actions of their parents, whatever may be the reasons, then someone needs to step in the gap.

This brings me to a third principle that is relevant to the current immigration situation:

3. That our government has a special responsibility regarding the young, the aged, and the marginalized.

The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the aged; and those in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.
(Hubert H. Humphrey)

For these reasons, I urge you as my representatives to give special attention to the potential effect of immigration policy on the innocent children of those who are not yet documented. These children are living among us through no choice of their own, and your response to this situation will have huge implications regarding their present and future well-being.

Indiana Hurting Thousands of Children

2008-09-24T10:13:00.000-04:00

Thousands of innocent dependents of undocumented immigrants are hurting today due to recent measures by Indiana government officials. Frustrated by the inaction of the federal government to stem the tide of illegal immigration to Indiana, state authorities have taken matters into their own hands. Unfortunately, as many as 40,000 innocent children are suffering in the shadows from these poorly conceived schemes. Crusaders against “illegals” may callously dismiss concerns for these voiceless victims, saying that all the blame belongs to their parents and guardians for bringing these children here in the first place. However, a dispassionate look at this situation reveals that our government should also be held responsible for this suffering.

Look the Other Way

For more than twenty years, we have allowed thousands of immigrants to come and live in our state. We received them with Hoosier hospitality, and they eagerly became a part of the fabric of our communities, building our houses, caring for our lawns, serving in our restaurants, and paying income taxes. They married and established families.

The way we have responded communicated that we accepted them and affirmed their decision to integrate into our communities and lives. We required minimum paperwork for them to get a driver’s license and to work in our factories, banks, and other businesses. Over the years, they have severed ties with their countries of origin and have held on to their dream of becoming American citizens, while their paperwork has piled up in our immigration offices. Their children, a growing number who are American born citizens, became friends with our children and many have excelled in our schools.

Use a Big Stick

Then a year ago, frustrated by the failure of the federal government to enact immigration reform in the face of a growing tide of immigrants, Indiana officials decided to take matters into their own hands. Hoosier hospitality morphed into Hoosier hostility. Legislators hotly debated a bill authored by Senator Mike Delph (Carmel), designed to run many immigrant workers out of the state. Then in the late winter (early 2008) the Bureau of Motor Vehicles suspended as many as 55,000 drivers’ licenses based on more stringent requirements. More recently, raids have been carried out on businesses that hire Hispanic workers, and drivers have been stopped to check for licenses in areas with a greater Hispanic presence. Meanwhile, Delph promises to continue to push his punitive proposal in the upcoming legislative session.

Unfortunately, these heavy handed strategies target all undocumented immigrants without differentiating between those whom we’ve allowed to put down roots among us from the flood of more recent arrivals. The more frequent stereotype of “illegals” portrays them as newly-arrived single young men standing in groups on street corners or running in gangs. We see them on the evening news being led out of factories in handcuffs or clandestinely crammed in the back of trucks and trailers.

But these images do not give us the complete picture of all those who are affected. Countless families who have lived among us for years have been driven into the shadows over the past year because of the ineptitude of our immigration system and these big stick measures of our state government. For many of them, returning to their homeland is no longer a viable option. With nowhere else to go and shrinking job opportunities, parents struggle to provide for their families and hesitate to seek help when problems arise. Far too often, hard working mothers and fathers are arrested and deported for no other reason than that they no longer have their documents in order. Families are torn apart. As a result, thousands of their children and innocent dependents are suffering.

Hit and Run by Driver with Suspended License

2008-03-23T22:21:00.001-04:00

A woman was struck today. Another hit and run by a driver with a suspended license. Thanks to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Secretary of State Todd Rokita and the BMV, innocent people get to pick up the tab again. We can especially thank our leaders in part for the “run,” including the added expenses that we all will be paying sooner or later.

Earlier this year, up to 55,000 drivers in Indiana had their licenses suspended, as part of a coordinated effort to force people without social security numbers to leave the state. Mike Delph’s recently failed attempt to penalize employers of undocumented workers was another component of their plan (See previous post below dated March 17, 2008). While some of these drivers no doubt left, many are still here and will probably stay for a long time, now driving with suspended licenses. Many of these formerly licensed drivers have realized that their vehicle insurance is worthless, since their companies won’t cover them with suspended licenses.

Instead of driving all these people from the state, many have been driven underground. This is another reason that a comprehensive reform of our immigration laws is needed. These piecemeal approaches to solve the problem are marginalizing people who previously were paying their own insurance. Meanwhile, the rest of us can expect to pick up the tab.

Good News for the Immigration Problem

2008-03-19T11:01:00.001-04:00

(First Published in Wesleyan Life magazine, Fall 2006, Posted On The Wesleyan Church Web Site: 9/26/2006; See link in the upper right of blog)

Today the immigration problem has greatly polarized evangelical Christians across America. As a group, our views are shaped by diverse and partial understandings of the Scripture and by the values and attitudes of our surrounding community and culture. Unfortunately the latter perspectives frequently have greater influence than the former, as we allow the world to “squeeze us into its mold.” Often heated debates ensue, adding to the confusion and tensions. Emotions run high, giving rise to outbursts that typically produce a lot more heat than light. As a result, our ability to make a real difference in people’s lives in the midst of this crisis continues to wane.

One of the biggest ironies in this situation relates to what we call ourselves—evangelicals—a term derived from the Greek New Testament phrase good news. Christ used this word at the beginning of His ministry, when He announced His purpose for coming to earth: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18–19 NIV).

The sad irony is that instead of proclaiming good news in today’s immigration crisis, our disorganized and divisive voices have been lost in the cacophony of sounds coming from the world. Our nation and churches have not heard a prophetic word from the Lord on this matter. As a result, evangelical Christians are missing a huge opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of millions of individuals who have chosen to come and live among us.

A Clear Path

The immigration problem should not be dividing evangelicals! The following pathway—involving three radical steps—would enable us to give a clear biblical witness of what it means to be an evangelical. In this way, we can offer good news to our hurting and divided nation.

Step One: Pray the Prayer of a Sinner

Step one is based on a foundational evangelical truth: We have all sinned and are in need of God’s continuing forgiveness and grace. For that reason, our Lord taught us to pray, “Forgive us our sins.”

This certainly includes those who are here without legal documents. Some of them have portrayed themselves as innocent victims. While this may be the case for a few, most are largely if not wholly responsible for their current situation, and they know it. Typically, they entered the country with a temporary visa and overstayed their allotted time, or they came across the border surreptitiously. The vast majority came here in search of a better life, are hard and diligent workers, and deeply desire to learn English and become American citizens. Regardless of their motives, personal qualities, and legal situation, they are not innocent victims.

A growing number of these illegal immigrants are coming to faith in Christ. They too have joined us in praying, “Forgive us our sins.” Some of these newborn brothers and sisters in Christ choose to return to their home country, while for others doing so would be difficult if not almost impossible. Given the complexities of their situations, we can be thankful that we are not called to be their judge—that role belongs to God.

Our responsibility is to love them and pray that God will guide them in their lives and decisions.

At the same time, the rest of us also are in need of God’s continuing forgiveness and grace. This certainly includes our government, whose right hand almost never knows what the left hand is doing. The result continues to be confusing signals for everyone involved. Nearly twenty years have passed since an amnesty for illegal immigrants was granted in the late ’80s, and Congress has just now begun to take a serious look at the situation.

As much as our government has ignored the problem, we as American citizens have not held our government officials accountable for this negligence. In the meantime, while we all enjoy the benefits of immigrant labor that are interwoven throughout our economy and way of life, we also suffer from the negative ramifications of this growing problem.

As a result of this negligence, today an estimated eleven million people are marginalized in our land, including millions of innocent children who have had no say in their situation. Because we all have sinned and come short of what God expects of us, we are in need of His forgiveness and grace. Certainly the Lord’s word to Solomon is also fitting for evangelical Christians today in America: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).

By taking this first step, seeking God’s forgiveness and grace, we as evangelical Christians could exemplify a radically different way of viewing and responding to the immigration problem.

Step Two: Profess Jesus Christ as Lord

Secondly, we are called to profess Jesus Christ as Lord and render to Him our first allegiance. For our undocumented brothers and sisters in Christ, this means they must look to Jesus for their salvation and not to the “American Dream.” He is their only true hope for a future of abundant living.

For the rest of us as American citizens, now is the time for a serious reality check. Two basic truths are increasingly obvious. One, the vast majority of undocumented immigrants will not go back to their home countries on their own regardless of how tightly they may be squeezed by restrictive laws and regulations. And two, our government will never muster the resolve or allocate the needed resources to export them. Most are here to stay, having staked their lives and well-being on becoming American citizens and joining the rest of us in this immigration nation to forge a future together.

Given these realities, evangelicals need to pray regularly for our leaders, that God will give them the wisdom and courage to address this situation in a reasonable, compassionate, and timely manner. Furthermore, we also need our Lord’s wisdom and guidance regarding how to exercise our influence. Measures that would deprive innocent children of basic human services should be vigorously opposed, along with any other harsh restrictions that would further marginalize these immigrants and only drive them deeper into the shadows. Given that we all have had a part in creating this situation, we need to stand against any attempts to place undue burden on these disenfranchised people.

Above all, we need to remember that we are first and foremost citizens of God’s Kingdom and fellow pilgrims on earth in a foreign land. As such, we need to allow our attitudes and actions to be shaped by Kingdom values. On one hand, our hearts need to be broken by God each day for the millions of lost immigrants in our midst, compelling us to reach out to them with His message of forgiveness and hope. On the other hand, we need God’s wisdom in relating to our undocumented brothers and sisters in Christ who find themselves in their current predicament. When faced with the temptation to judge them, we need to release that sentiment to the Lord and ask Him to fill us with greater understanding and sympathy regarding each person’s unique situation.

Step Three: Proclaim the Year of our Lord’s Favor

Finally, as citizens of God’s coming Kingdom, we are called to join our Savior Jesus Christ in proclaiming the year of our Lord’s favor. Forgiveness, redemption, grace, and release—this is the good news God calls us as evangelicals to proclaim in His name. Where the privileged majority in our land conspires to protect and advance its acquired advantages, and our government waffles, evangelicals need to stand in the gap.

The Scriptures are abundantly clear regarding our call as Christians to care for the poor, the oppressed, the stranger, and the immigrant. Nowhere is there a caveat saying that these admonitions are only applicable to those with legal papers. Nor should Christ’s body, the Church, be called on to be enforcers of the laws and regulations of the land. One may ask, but shouldn’t we be law abiding citizens? Certainly, but not policemen! That is the role of our government. May the day never come when the leaders of our country try to entangle the Church of Jesus Christ in cleaning up the mess caused by years of their waffling and negligence! May God bless the church that unwaveringly fulfills her calling to be a house of refuge and to provide sustenance to sojourners and foreigners and those in need!

God’s Path

This is the path God calls His people to take in His name, proclaiming good news in the midst of the immigration crisis. First, we are all called to confess our sins each day and seek His forgiveness and grace. Second, we are called to profess Jesus Christ as Lord and align ourselves with the values of His Kingdom. Finally, we are called to proclaim the year of our Lord’s favor. In this way, evangelical Christians can make a huge difference in the lives of millions of people both for today and for all eternity.

Mike Delph, Undocumented Immigrants, and True Christianity

2008-03-17T20:15:00.001-04:00

Does Mike Delph's approach to the problem of undocumented immigrant workers harmonize with his claim to be a Christian?

Whew!!! Time ran out on Senator Mike Delph’s (R) bill in this year’s session of the Indiana State legislature, although he’s expected to try again! His plan was to penalize employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants. While immigration reform is sorely needed, Delph’s sweeping approach did not take into account the complexities of the problem nor consider the many innocent people that would have been hurt by it.

It’s obvious that Delph’s poorly conceived solution to solving the immigration problem resonates with some highly vocal residents of the state, although his claim that the majority of Hoosiers were supporting him is debatable. If the comments posted on Indianapolis Star articles covering the topic are indicative of the kinds of people that rallied around him, some of his supporters seemed to be pretty unsavory characters. (See link in the upper right corner of this blog page) Fortunately a considerable number of Hoosiers are more open-minded on this subject than it may seem by the reactionary comments posted on this Star site. Indiana State legislators also sensed this and reconsidered their original views on this matter.

It is troubling the way that both Delph and those that supported him have not been able to reflect the higher level of intellectual and moral reasoning required to solve these kinds of complex human problems. Instead, all that seemed to matter to Delph and his supporters was “the law.” His reasoning was disappointedly truncated.

• Forget about our complicities as the problem has developed over the past twenty years, allowing thousands of people to move to our state and intertwine their lives in our communities.

• Disregard the fact that our nation’s economical policies have greatly benefited us while wrecking devastating consequences on our neighbors to the south and elsewhere.

• Ignore the contribution of those who’ve come here to build our homes, harvest our fruits and vegetables, prepare and serve our food, manicure our lawns, remodel our bathrooms and sun porches, stock our store shelves, and clean our malls at night—jobs that many Americans are not willing to do and for bargain basement wages that have held down the cost of these benefits for the rest of us.

• Grossly generalize and thus mischaracterize these immigrants, pretending that they consist predominately of recently arrived restless young males, still wet from swimming across the Rio Grand, and forgetting about the thousands of families that have been here for many years and now consider this their only home.

• Imagine that 12 million people can uproot their lives and move back to their home country, where there is little or nothing to which to return—no home, no land, no job, no family, no friends.

• Deny that a majority of these workers are faithfully paying taxes in hopes that someday this will bode well for them in achieving their goal of US residency and citizenship.

• Overlook the thousands of innocent dependents of these undocumented immigrants, many who are American born citizens or were brought here as young infants and children. Just say, they are not our problem.

No, says Delph and his crusaders, we’ll just brush all these considerations aside. The law is the law is the law, and that’s all there is to it. This simplistic mantra has been repeated thousands of times in recent weeks. The law must be enforced, and the solution is simple. We’ll make life impossible for all these “illegals” (this dehumanizing term is used intentionally), so these less-than-human creatures will go somewhere else. If we join forces with the Indiana BMV, who is summarily invalidating thousands of these immigrants’ driver’s licenses, hopefully most of these “illegals” will just leave our country. Perhaps this kind of sweeping approach may have been more appropriate twenty years ago. Now it is neither practical nor humanitarian.

Admittedly it is not possible to know for sure Delph's motivations in authoring his proposed legislation. He claims that their ethnic background was not an issue for him, so we ought to at least give him the benefit of the doubt on that matter. Still it is very naïve on his part to overlook the possibility that his approach would be viewed as a racial issue by others. In addition, his measure, should it have become law, would most certainly have been used by less honorable people for decidedly discriminatory purposes.

Curiously, Delph, who otherwise seems to be a fairly intelligent person, wonders why his initiative has met with so much opposition. Instead of recognizing his own shortcomings in devising a solution, he blames his opponents for being unreasonable.

“The answer to your puzzle, Mr. Delph, is simple. Your analysis of the problem is simplistic and skewed and your proposed solution is considered inappropriate and nefarious by more sensible people.”

But there’s even more to cause concern. In response to an unkind article in an area Hispanic newspaper, the Senator cited his church attendance in an attempt to present himself as a good Christian (“Indiana Senator Upset over Newspaper Headline,” March 1, 2008, www.wthr.com). While church attendance is a helpful discipline, true Christians are also called to practice a number of other important virtues of godly people. Foremost among these Christian virtues are the following:

(1) Obedience of the Great Commandment, to love God with all our heart and soul and mind and our neighbor as ourselves.

(2) Submission to the authorities above us and obedience of the laws of our land except when they are in contradiction to biblical principles.

(3) Hospitality, especially to those in need, such as strangers, aliens, immigrants, children and widows.

(4) Justice balanced by grace, with careful attention to defending those who are powerless and marginalized.

One more observation is noteworthy in this regard. Christians are not exempted from practicing these virtues toward others who may not have their immigration documents. Even for those caught in their sins, Jesus was eager to forgive and provide a way of escape.

If Mike Delph really wants to present himself as a good Christian, he would be well advised to practice all the virtues as set forth by Christ's example and the Scriptures in both his political and private life. Adding these virtues to his approach would also greatly improve the chances for him to have a positive role in future endeavors to solve this problem. More importantly, he will also have a much greater hope of hearing someday the approving words of the Christ whom he claims to follow:

Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me. (Matthew 25:34, 40 NIV)

Evangelicals Against Illegal Immigrants?

2007-12-12T18:34:00.000-05:00

Posted: Sunday, December 16, 2007

Should Christians support toughness without compassion regarding how to resolve the immigration problem? Acquiescence on this matter by many who call themselves "Evangelicals" is deeply troubling.

Little Carla and Daniel shivered in their thin jackets each day this past week as they walked to grade school in their northern Indianapolis suburb. For a week Carla has had a severe cough and sore throat, but her mother is afraid to take her to the hospital.

Recently work has been scarce for their mom and dad. Now both parents are even more hesitant to drive very far in their search for employment, having received letters yesterday from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles informing them that their driver’s licenses will soon be revoked. Millions of similar letters have gone out across the nation, in cooperation with our government’s decision several months ago to get tough on immigration when a more comprehensive approach was rejected.

Carla and Daniel are among the millions of innocent American born children whose parents are undocumented. Perhaps their parents entered the country illegally. Maybe they came on temporary work permits and overextended their stay. Or they could have just "entered without inspection" as has frequently happened at many checkpoints in previous years . In recent months, though, being the child of undocumented parents is increasingly perilous.

Carla and Daniel, like many of these marginalized children, have lived in America all their lives. English is their primary language, and almost all their friends are Americans.

Our government certainly has the right and responsibility to monitor our borders and to ensure that everyone in the country is here legally, even if the approach taken is one of unbridled “toughness.” For genuine Christians and Evangelicals, though, toughness without compassion should not be an option.

Sadly, some who call themselves “Evangelicals” have joined in the rising chorus to get tough on illegal immigrants without considering the tragic consequences of such measures on human lives. “Make them all go home,” some suggest, like the former Evangelical pastor and now Republican Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee.

Even many immigrants and their families who have lived here for decades are lumped into the mix. Many of them came with their entire families, abandoning their homes and employment in their lands of birth in search of a brighter future for themselves and their children. For years these hard-working immigrants have been careful to pay their taxes and make a positive contribution to their adoptive homeland. But their paperwork has gotten hung up, especially since 9/11.

The “go back home” mantra may seem reasonable when one doesn’t have acquaintances and close friends among these immigrants. But all who advocate this simplistic approach either forget about the millions of innocent American born children and dependents of this marginalized population, or maybe they just don’t care.

Meanwhile, there are still no presents under the Christmas tree in Carla and Daniel’s home. Their dad just went out to shovel snow in hopes of making enough to buy them each a present this year. Since church was canceled today, he’ll probably be working out in the frigid cold and wind all day clearing the sidewalks of nearby businesses and perhaps of the large Evangelical church on the corner.

This neighborhood church has been silent on the issue of immigration in recent months. The pastor fears that many in his congregation would object to speaking out in favor of “illegals” and “law breakers.”

Ironically, the word “Evangelical” is supposed to mean “Good News.” Sadly, it doesn’t for Carla and Daniel and millions of other innocent children of these marginalized undocumented immigrants. While a loud minority clamors for harshness against undocumented immigrants, many “Evangelicals” in their silence passively acquiesce to our government’s scheme of toughness without compassion.