Evangelical Leaders, Denominations, and Organizations
on Immigration
Many evangelical denominations are taking a position on immigration.
A few are listed below:
The Vineyard and Undocumented Immigrants
Understanding
that all are made in the image of God, we will seek to treat all people
humanely and with dignity, regardless of race, class, nationality,
gender, legal status or any other distinctive.
We will view
immigration as an aspect of God's larger plan to bring salvation to the
world. Immigration can be used through God's wisdom to introduce many
to Jesus who might not otherwise hear the gospel message.
The Wesleyan Church
As
Wesleyans, we will encourage one naother to engage in acts of kindness
and compassion (e.g., providing food, shelter, clothing, and other
resources) toward immigrants who are in need regardless of their
immigration status (documented or undocumented).
As Wesleyans,
we oppose and condemn all unjust and harsh laws, policies and measures
directed against immigrants among us. Whether documented or
undocumented. We will act as advocates for just and humane policies for
all people by all levels of governmenta and in all parts of society.
The Evangelical Free Church of America
As
we engage in our society's debate on immigration through forums such as
the voting booth, community discussion groups, political parties and
church in light of the preceding discussion, we need to raise the
following issues:
To what extent are our attitudes shapes by materialism?
Is
the fear of running ouf ot limited resources justifiable? How can we
say that there is not enough to go around in America? Are we more
conccerned with the pursuit of affluence than mneeting the basic human
needs of all human beings?
As evangelicals, we are called by God
to aid the vulnerable. Therefore, we must see the alien and the
stranger as individuals made in the image of God, the object of
Christ's love and as people of intrinsic worth who are in need of our
affirmation and support.
The National Association of Evangelicals
Resolution on Immigration
October 08, 2009
It
is appropriate for the borders of the United States to be secured in
order for immigration to conform to the laws of the United States. As
people of faith we support immigration reform that reflects human
dignity, compassion, and justice integral to a nation under God.
Apart
from issues related to governmental jurisdictions, we believe the
gospel compels us to minister to all who live and work within our
country. Let us secure our borders, care for all families, and seek
further expressions of Godly compassion and justice. We further
reaffirm the statement made by the NAE in the Resolution on Immigration
of 1995:
As Christians, we are called to joyfully share our
faith and hope with all people. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are
guided by love. The Bible repeatedly declares God’s love and care for
all people, and requires that “The same law shall apply to the
native-born as to the alien living among you” (Exodus 12:49).
Similarly, “You are to have the same law for the alien and the
native-born. I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 24:22).
The
National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) is deeply concerned by a
growing spirit of hostility towards immigrants and refugees who have
become residents in our communities. While we recognize that some of
our constituency feel strongly concerning issues of justice and law, we
are all compelled by the love of Christ
to act with compassion to
our neighbors. Therefore, we pledge to eliminate the spirit of racism
in any of our responses. While we recognize the right of nations to
regulate their borders, we believe this responsibility should be
exercised with a concern for the entire human family in a spirit of
generosity and compassion
(Deuteronomy 10:19, Leviticus 19:34).
Furthermore, we acknowledge that immigrants and refugees contribute
much to the continuing strength and vitality of local communities and
our country by their commitment to work, education, and the family.
We
call upon our government, therefore, to maintain reasonable and just
admissions policies for refugees and immigrants. As evangelicals
responsible to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), we are
called to show personal and corporate hospitality to those who seek a
new life in our nation.
Passed by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors of the NAE in its business session October 08, 2009.
Links to Other Statements and Articles
National Association of Evangelicals Resolution on Immigration
Christianity Today Editorial: Blessed are the Courageous
Christianity Today Editorial: Blessed is the Law- Up to a Point
Interview: When the Stranger Knocks
Esperanza USA Immigration Reform Letter
Southern Baptist Convention Immigration Resolution
National Hispanic Leadership Conference Immigration Statement
Sample Letters Evangelical Leaders Speaking Out on Immigration Leith Anderson - Senior Pastor, Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, MN and
President, the National Association of Evangelicals, Washington, DC Chuck Colson - Founder, Prison Fellowship, Lansdowne, VA Michael Gerson - Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Global
Engagement, Arlington, VA and former advisor to President George W.
Bush Joel Hunter - Senior Pastor, Northland- A Church Distributed, Orlando, FL Lynne and Bill Hybels - Leaders, Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, IL Richard Land - President, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Nashville, TN John Piper - Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN Samuel Rodriguez - President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Sacramento, CA Ron Sider - President, Evangelicals for Social Action, Wynnewood, PA James Tolle - Senior Pastor, The Church on the Way, Van Nuys, CA
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