Thread: Immigration debate divides believers

Immigration debate divides believers


NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Bible tells its readers to obey the law, but it also tells them to welcome strangers and foreigners.
That's left some Christians divided about the issue of immigration reform.

Members of Clergy for Tolerance, based in Nashville, say new immigration laws have to mix justice with compassion.
But supporters of measures such as Alabama's say the Bible teaches that the government's job is to enforce the law, and people who break it should be punished. The American Center for Law and Justice, a Christian legal group, filed a brief in federal court supporting the Alabama law.

That measure, which the Obama administration is challenging, prohibits undocumented immigrants from entering into "business transactions" with the state, requires police to check immigration status during traffic stops and makes it a crime for U.S. citizens to knowingly assist undocumented immigrants.

"The whole heart of the gospel is in Matthew 25, where Jesus said, 'I was a stranger and you welcomed me,' " said the Rev. Hoover-Dempsey, pastor of All Saints Episcopal Church in Smyrna, Tenn., whose congregation includes about 200 Burmese immigrants.

The religious message of welcoming strangers has been lost in the angry debate about immigration reform, he said. Harsh immigration laws, which make people prove their immigration status even at traffic stops,make all immigrants feel unwelcome whether they are in the country legally or not.

On the other hand, the American Center for Law and Justice has defended Alabama's immigration law based on the issue of states' rights.

"A decision sustaining the administration's claims will effectively leave the states powerless over unchecked illegal immigration and the associated social and economic costs that their citizens must bear," it reads.
Carol Swain, a law professor at Vanderbilt University who is vocal about her Christian faith, said clergy shouldn't be trying to write immigration laws.

She thinks the current system, in which millions of immigrants are in the United States illegally is untenable.
"It places immigrants in situations where they are more likely to be exploited," she said. "Everyone benefits when you have an orderly system."

The Rev. Jim Bachmann of Covenant Presbyterian Church here said he hasn't taken a stance on immigration reform, but if a member of his church were in the country illegally, the church would encourage him to obtain legal status.
"The doors of the church are open to everyone," he said. "But we want people to obey the law."

Source:Immigration debate divides believers | Lancaster Eagle Gazette | lancastereaglegazette.com

Perhaps the intent of Old Testament scriptures was to welcome visitors or sojourners but not invaders. . . and even visitors can wear out their welcome.

Originally Posted by Achilles

...and even visitors can wear out their welcome.

And have!