Statement on Immigration
Conference of Bishops
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Tonight,
the ELCA Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America issued this joint statement following the announcement of
President Obama's Plan on Immigration Reform. All 65 bishops plus the
presiding bishop join in making this statement together:
As
people of faith and leaders of the church, we support public policy that
protects children, reunites families, and cares for the most
vulnerable, regardless of their place of birth. The treatment of
immigrants is a core religious value. To welcome the stranger is to
welcome a child of God. In the New Testament, Jesus tells us to welcome
the stranger, for "just as you did it to one of the least of these... you did it to me.'" (Matthew 25:40)
Each day in our congregations and in our service to the community, we see the consequences
of this broken immigration system: separated families, children
returning home to find their parents have been deported, and the
exploitation of undocumented workers. By removing the threat of
deportation for many people, we are showing compassion for people who
have been here for years, working hard to provide for their families,
obeying the law, and contributing to the fabric of our community.
While today's action addresses a pressing need, it does not provide a path to citizenship, establish policies that prioritize family unity, or create more efficient channels
for entry of new migrant workers. Our hope is that congress will
address these and related issues, including the practice of family
detention, which undermines our values as a people of faith and a nation
of welcome.
The Scriptures consistently show a significant concern for immigrants:"When
a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The
foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love
them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your
God." (Leviticus 19:33-34)
The positive role of immigrants in our history, economy and our community is
unmistakable. We support this compassionate first step toward reforming an
immigration system that is flawed and requires many of our neighbors to live in the shadows in fear.
The ELCA Conference of Bishops
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