Evangelical Pastors & Leaders Across California Urge a Biblically-Rooted Approach to Refugees and Immigration

Contact: wr@pinkston.co

(Sacramento, CA) June 20, 2025 – Today, on World Refugee Day, scores of evangelical pastors and ministry leaders from across the State of California are speaking up on the contentious topic of immigration. After weeks of unrest over increased immigration enforcement in the state that is home to more immigrants than any other, evangelical leaders are affirming a “California Evangelical Statement on Refugees & Immigration.”

“As evangelical Christians in California, our perspective on immigration is grounded in the authority of Scripture. While immigration is a political issue, we see it first as a biblical one—deeply connected to the mission of the Church both locally and globally,” the statement begins. “We affirm the need to clearly express the biblical principles that guide our views, so that immigrants—many of whom are fellow members of the same Body of Christ and all of whom are our neighbors (Luke 10:27)—know we stand with them.”

The statement, signed by evangelical pastors and leaders from various denominations and theological traditions across the state, highlights:

• Recognizing the God-given dignity of each person, including immigrants
• Demonstrating compassion and hospitality as biblical mandates
• Respect for the rule of law and governmental authority, affirming the government’s responsibility to ensure secure borders and remove individuals convicted of violent crimes but also the importance of respecting the rights to due process and peaceful protest
• Protecting family unity and the wellbeing of children
• Preserving religious liberty

An initial list of prominent California evangelical pastors and leaders who have affirmed this statement, with organizational affiliation mentioned for identification purposes only, can be found here. World Relief — the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals, which organized the statement through its local offices serving refugees and other immigrants in Orange County, Modesto, Sacramento and San Diego — now invites any California evangelical Christians, including lay people, to add their names to this statement here. 

“Immigration has long been a contentious topic in the political realm, but as followers of Jesus, we view it first and foremost as a biblical issue, and the Scriptures are clear that we’re called to love our neighbors,” said Kenton Beshore, pastor emeritus at Mariners Church in Irvine. “Here in Orange County, many of those neighbors are immigrants of various backgrounds, and I want to do all I can do to convey to the immigrants within my church and community that I’m standing with them in this season when many feel vulnerable.”

“Compassion for people in need is central to the commitments and character of disciples of Jesus. Those in need, for Christians, are not nuisances but our neighbors. Believers are to treat everyone in a neighborly fashion,” said Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, president of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. “Further, we expect public policies, including those related to immigration, to be formulated and implemented thoughtfully, responsibly and humanely. Nothing less is acceptable. “

“Having lived in this country ‘undocumented’ myself, I can empathize in part with the hurt, fear and anxiety felt by some right now,” said Susie Gamez, lead pastor of Midtown Church in Sacramento. “Dr. King once said, ‘In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.’ I pray that churches across the country will heed this reminder and speak up, keeping at the forefront the words of Jesus, who said, ‘whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

“As a dual citizen of God’s Kingdom and the United States, I’m burdened to advocate for the voiceless. Many undocumented immigrants are not criminals; over 2 million have pending asylum cases, and more than 8 million contribute to public services they cannot access. We need nuance and truth to establish a foundation for human dignity for necessary reforms, and Kingdom citizens are well-positioned to lead this effort,” said Dr. D.A. Horton, associate professor and director of the intercultural studies program at California Baptist University in Riverside.

“Every day, I have the privilege of hearing the stories, struggles and hopes of immigrants and refugees who come through our doors,” said Heather Kwak, office director of World Relief Southern California’s locations in Garden Grove and San Diego. “These are not just clients — they are mothers, fathers, children and neighbors, each made in the image of God. This statement reflects what we witness firsthand: compassion, dignity, and justice must guide our response to immigration. As a faith leader and service provider, I believe we are called to stand in the gap, to welcome the stranger and to advocate for policies that honor both our biblical convictions and the humanity of those we serve.”