www.orlandosentinel.com

Lutherans support immigrants

August 16, 2005

ORLANDO -- Lutherans from throughout the country and the Caribbean cast a vote for immigration before leaving town Monday, reaffirming the church's commitment to welcoming newcomers, refugees and asylum seekers.

Most of the more than 1,000 delegates who convened for the assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and Convention Center over the weekend supported a resolution to advocate and seek justice for immigrants. The document asked for an end to the detention and imprisonment of non-criminal asylum seekers, undocumented laborers and other immigrants held while their cases are reviewed.

The vote passed 900-50.

In practical terms, the Protestant denomination asked each of its 65 U.S. bishops to establish a task force to advocate for and serve immigrants in their regions.