For Better Immigration Policy

 “The Lord watches over the sojourner and sustains the fatherless and the widow.” — Psalm 146:9

the Bible has much to say about our responsibility to the immigrant. As Presbyterians, we belong to a tradition that believes in the sovereignty of God over all people.  We are bound together and share an identity rooted in the Imago Dei- the image of God.  Our ancestors in the faith from Abraham to Jesus, and even those Presbyterians that first came to the America's were displaced people, often seeking a new land to worship freely or to be free from want. 

The MPI (Migration Policy Institute) has released a report "The Deportation Dilemma: Reconciling Tough and Humane Enforcement" on the Obama Administration's immigration enforcement record. The report analyzed the US deportation system over the last two decades.  It specifically examined the tension between strict government enforcement (a record level of removals under President Obama) and a push for more humane treatment of unauthorized people that have lived in our country for a long time.  The report some concerning issues, not only have over 4.5 million people been removed, but over 75% of deportations were handled via summary removal, that is by enforcement officers and not by judges. The report recommends that the US creates clearer more consistent guidelines for those that don't have criminal ties and have roots in the US, expand judicial oversight, and improve ICE and CBP officer training. 

This is not just a humanity issue, it is a faith issue.  As Christians with a history of immigration support in our denomination, write congress and the White House today to ask that immigration policy of the United States reflect our faith's call for justice and equity, not just speedy removal.  

Deportation Dilemma Report 

PCUSA study on immigration 

Letter from Glady's Parson on Immigration Reform

Take a virtual tour of the archeological site of Dura-Europos

click below to enter the Yale Archeology Site for Dura Europos:

Dura Europos Virtual Tour Yale Archeology Site

The archeological site of Dura-Europos in modern day Syria is an important site because it gives us insight into the cultural diversity of the ancient world.  Three important religious sites, a synagogue covered with biblical scenes painted on the walls, an early Christian house church with a baptistry and what may be the earliest artistic depiction of Jesus, and a shrine to the god Mithras.   Enter the site to take a virtual tour and learn more about this important archeological city.

Check out the ARDA: Association for Religious Data Archives

The ARDA Association for Religious Data Archives website provides an excellent opportunity to see the different branches of Christianity that has resulted in the many Christian denominations in a graph form of a "family tree."

Check out the category on the home page titled "Family Tree for World Religions" under the heading "Christian" for a "Christian" family tree.  Select from the top category Family Tree for Christian Denominations to see any one of the various different Christian denominations.

Presbyterianism has its roots in the reformation in Europe.  In the United States, Rev Francis Makemie an Irish immigrant helped to organize the first American Presbytery in Philadelphia in 1706.  English Presbyterians are recorded in colonial America as early as 1531. As Presbyterianism grew, many theological controversies caused splinter groups.  The below link to the  Presbyterian family tree shows the various groups that have branched off to form new denominations.  Its worth a look.

Click here to access the ARDA web site

Click here to access Christian family tree

Click here to access Christian family Tree via ARDA