Evangelicals and Illegal Immigrants?

The title of this blog calls attention to the disconnect when people call themselves “Evangelical” and do not stand in the gap for undocumented immigrants. 

A lot of Evangelicals that have been silent are now confessing their ignorance regarding this problem and negligence in following the biblical principles that call us as Bible believing Christians to support this reform.  Others are still stuck on the fact that those that are here are “breaking the law,” which reflects a simplistic and uninformed view on this matter (many previous posts on this blog and links in the right-hand column address this issue and others).   However, many are coming to recognize their oversight, confess their sins of omission, and join in the call for comprehensive immigration reform. 

For all evangelicals, please check out this video of this news conference a few days ago by the Evangelical Immigration Table.  We celebrate this rising tide among the leaders of many Evangelical and Christian denominations and other Christian organizations. 

Key leaders of my own denomination, The Wesleyan Church, are part of this growing movement, including our General Superintendent, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon.

So how about you who call yourself “an evangelical?”  Together we can make a huge difference in the lives of millions of people and also in God’s kingdom, both here on earth and more importantly in heaven.  Will you join us in calling for comprehensive immigration reform now?  Respond here with your ideas regarding some practical steps.  Most of all, contact your legislators and government leaders.

Plea for a Reasonable Approach to the Immigration Problem

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

Wesleyan Pastors and Leaders Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

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


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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

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)

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

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.

All Wesleyans are Urged to Support the DREAM Act

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.