Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Below is an excerpt from A Toolkit For Christian Education and Action on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, brought to us by our brothers and sisters at Sojourners/Call To Renewal
“The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:33-34)
Dear Friend,
” Immigration is a deeply relevant issue for both Americans and Christians. With American Indians as our founders, the U.S. became a nation of immigrants, and has been continually reshaped by new groups of people bringing to it diverse cultures, perspectives, and resources. Immigration is also a core issue for Christians: The biblical story continually shows God’s concern for the migrant and the
outcast. The early Hebrews were “strangers in the land of Egypt” and were asked to remember this heritage by protecting the strangers among them in the Promised Land. Similarly, throughout the New Testament, Christians are called to care for the outcast and the stranger. Immigration is also inextricably related to issues of poverty and economic justice. Immigrants—both legal and undocumented—are more likely to live in families with incomes below the poverty level, and children of undocumented immigrants are especially at risk.”
After reading much of this material, I am more convicted about our role in ensuring basic dignities for all people. I encourage you to check it out.
Bryan
Comment by Ohg Rea Tone on 6 October 2007:
What – you don’t think I agree? Have you been reading my posts to you? I am wondering which of the principles of dignity most possessed you? It is obvious that you know how to read and quote – what are your thoughts?
Dad
Comment by The Spokesman on 6 October 2007:
Here we go again taking the bible out of contense. That applied for the Jews of Israel, at the time. They were mistreating immigrates. Respect and dignity was what that was all about. Our issue in this country is that the illegal immigrates are disrespecting our system of government and its people by coming here illegally. I believe if we accept them in the country legally we should be prepared to help them. Why don’t you also concentrate on helping the Americans who are struggling here to make it. There are plenty of them, so you don’t need to go looking to people coming from other countries.
The Spokesman
Comment by bryan on 6 October 2007:
Dad,
I am not always in a position to comment in full about the references that I make, so when I have a minute (or 30), I will give my full perspective on the toolkit that the Call to Renewal folks are offering. It has superb points and it falters some in other areas. I will create an entire post around it, but not today. I just thought you might like to see what I was reading today.
goopydude,
New King James Version:
33 ‘And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. 34 The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
The Message:
33 When a foreigner lives with you in your land, don’t take advantage of him. Treat the foreigner the same as a native. Love him like one of your own. Remember that you were once foreigners in Egypt. I am GOD, your God.
Spokesman,
These are not context issues, these are issues of human dignity. We are charged with loving, caring for, and respecting our fellow man. Thanks for joining the conversation. We appreciate your voice.
Comment by Ohg Rea Tone on 7 October 2007:
Spokesman,
Your comments are encouraging. Someone is actually bothering to read tis blog. We have over 175 posts and about six of them concern immigration. My son thinks I am too liberal – I don’t know – but you make a valid point – we are the greatest country in the history of mankind and we have people, right here in America, suffering. Needlessly suffering. Your point is taken.