Immigration Debate Heats Up Again

photo by Omar Gonzalez

The recent migration of thousands in the 'caravan' has once again lit up the immigration debate ahead of the US elections.  In the midst of the heated rhetoric, I want to post some thoughts for consideration from a Christian point of view. 

Undocumented person's crossing borders put themselves in mortal peril, many have died in the desert with no food and water.  They are taken advantage of by smugglers.  Cartels run illegal drugs from the borders.  Yet many traverse these dangers because the situations they find themselves in are dire.  There has never been a more important time to increase the number of immigrants that may come into the United States and seek to participate in our country in lawful and orderly ways.  At a time when we are seeing a great need for assistance for refugees and asylum seekers (wars in Middle East, unrest in Central America, droughts in many parts of the world) the Trump administration is slashing refugee resettlement.  Persecution of religious minorities is at an all high as more countries become authoritarian and violate human rights. There is a greater need now for refugee resettlement than ever before. 

Yet, the Trump administration has said the country will admit 30,000 refugees in 2019. Close to 70,000 were admitted in 2015. From 1990-95 the US admitted 112,000 refugees. Why is Donald Trump cutting down on refugee settlements at a time when the need is so dire. Why has the Trump administration called on an end to "chain migration" another legal immigration avenue. There is nothing illegal about either our refugee resettlement program or family based migration. Both have had positive impacts on our economy and diversity over the years.  Immigration is a long standing tradition in our country.  Economist have pointed out that as more citizens of the United States retire, the labor force has grown in part because of immigration.  The United States continues to have historically low unemployment and labor shortages.  Immigration fuels the economy, to the tune of $72 billion a year. "Immigrants grease the wheels of the labor market by flowing into industries and areas where there is a relative need for workers, where bottlenecks or shortages might otherwise damp growth" (Bush Institute). 

Finally, why has the president called for an end to the 14th amendment, birth-rite citizenship, a 150 year tradition that has assisted assimilation of immigrants in our country?  Even as a suggestion, this should alarm any freedom loving patriot.  While the President cannot with the swipe of a pen undue an amendment to the constitution. how can this patently unconstitutional idea even have any traction with anyone who knows and loves the constitution of the United States.   I support the rights immigrants to have their asylum claims in a humane manner, and most importantly upholding our constitution and the rule of law. Over turning the 14th amendment will undue one of our countries finest legacies. 

All of this alarming rhetoric should be a concern to Christians who in particular understand the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger and give equal rights to the immigrant (Exodus 22:21, Exodus 23:9, Hebrews 13:2).  Matthew 25: 31-46  also sets the standard for the judging of the nations at the end of time.  What we see is the clear instruction from Jesus that the church must concern itself with those that are in need, those that are voiceless, and those that are persecuted. This is why social justice has been a foundation of the church since its inception.  Social justice is the teaching of the church that we should give preferential treatment to those that are poor, marginalized, in need.  It is the foundation for the civil and human rights of all people.  

So, what are some things that we can do to live out our faith?  First, contact your elected representatives and advocate for more and easier pathways to citizenship as well as an increase in the number of immigrants and asylum seekers the United States accepts every year.  Second, churches can create a real welcome for those that come from other nations and may not speak the language by providing worship in other languages.  Find people in the community or church that can translate in other languages.  Examine your church's mission, see if the church has resources that can be used in assisting immigrants and asylum seekers in your community. 

The Church is ever mindful that Jesus Christ was himself a refugee, that as a child he had to flee with his parents from his native land in order to escape persecution. In every age, therefore, the Church feels herself called to help refugees.”

Pope John Paul II
Refugee Center, Morong Philipines February 21, 1981

World Vision What the Bible says about refugees and immigrants

Bush Center

Episcopal Immigration Ministry


PC(USA) immigration Issues

Prayer for Pittsburgh

October 27, 2018by Jill Duffield

Lord, we know your power, your promises and your presence, but on days like today when your chosen people are gunned down in your holy house we question everything we thought we knew about you, about humanity, about ourselves. How can such hate fester and plot, destroy and kill? How can those created in your image and called good commit such horrendous acts? How have we gotten to this place? Where do we go from here?

Lord, help us. Help us rise up and resist evil with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. Help us confront the hate within and without that is overtaking our land. Comfort, O comfort your people, Lord. We beg for an outpouring of compassion and love to overwhelm the scourge of violence besetting our communities.
May we relentlessly speak up for and reach out to our Jewish brothers and sisters and all of those reeling in fear as they simply go about their daily living. 

Grant us the courage, the will and the stamina to live every day with faith, hope, mercy, kindness and justice until crying and mourning and death and hate are no more. We pray in the name of our Savior, a Jewish man from Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Jill Duffield Presbyterian Outlook 

Reprinted with permission from the Presbyterian Outlook.

This prayer is written by Jill Duffield and was printed in the Presbyterian Outlook.   Presbyterian Outlook seeks to provide Presbyterians and others with news and information about the mission and work of God in the world.

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Jill Duffield Prayer for Pittsburg

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Rev Eugene Peterson dies at 85

Longtime ‘pastor to pastors’ served at PC(USA) church in Maryland

By Kathy Melvin | Presbyterian News Service

Eugene Peterson lecturing at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle in 2009. File photo

LOUISVILLE – The Rev. Eugene Peterson, a pastor, author and scholar, died Monday morning at his home in Montana. He was 85.
He had been hospitalized since early October because of a serious infection, according to his son, Eric Peterson.

In 1962, Eugene Peterson was a founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church, a PC(USA) church in Bel Air, Maryland, where he served for 29 years before retiring in 1991. He wrote over 30 books but is best known for The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language, a paraphrase of the Christian Scriptures that sold over 16 million copies worldwide.

Peterson was born in East Stanwood, Washington, and grew up in Kalispell, Montana. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Seattle Pacific University, a bachelor of sacred theology degree from New York Theological Seminary (formerly the Biblical Seminary of New York) and a master’s degree in Semitic languages from Johns Hopkins University. He was also awarded several honorary doctoral degrees.

He retired from public life in 2017 after publishing his last book, As Kingfishers Catch Fire: A Conversation on the Ways of God Formed by the Words of God.  A statement issued by his family on Monday talked about his last few days. “During the previous days, it was apparent that he was navigating the thin and sacred space between earth and heaven. We overheard him speaking to people we can only presume were welcoming him into paradise. … Among his final words were, ‘Let’s go.’ And his joy: my oh my; the man remained joyful right up to his blessed end, smiling frequently.”

Diane Moffett, president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, said of Peterson: “I am profoundly grateful for the life and legacy of Eugene Peterson. He was a gift to the church and the world.  His work of translating the Bible into plain language helped increase the understanding of Scripture and its application to everyday life. His unique contribution will live on well past his earthly existence. May God’s peace be with him and his family.”

Peterson’s funeral service in scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3, at 1 p.m. MDT at First Presbyterian Church, 540 S. Main Street, Kalispell, Montana. Overflow seating will be available across the street at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. A live-stream of the service will be available through a link on the church’s website at fpckalispell.org. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Janice Peterson, his wife of 60 years, at P.O. Box 732, Lakeside, MT 59922-0732.

Link to Presbyterian Mission Agency site original source

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The Role of Politics in Christian Context

click on the video link to launch the video from Youtube. 

Another political year is upon us here in the USA.  Though not a presidential election year, the midterms will see key offices for governor, representatives, senators and other local offices on the ballot.  Hanging in the balance will be the control of congress by either party.  As usual, these times can be politically volatile.  Christians often seem to ignore the fact that no party represents the 'christian' party.  Certainly, no party can in anyway lay claim to the kingdom of God.  Parties, like nations are by nature tribal and divisive.  The Kingdom of God on the other hand calls people from every nation, tribe, and earthly kingdom to a new allegiance.   So likewise, as I have written on previous blogs, no party can claim to capture the christian vote.  One example I have cited is the position on the sanctity of life as held by the Roman Catholic Church.   In simple terms, their understanding of the sanctity of life results in a strong view against contraception and abortion which currently aligns with the Republican Party (USA), but equally strong views against capital punishment, in favor of immigration and asylum rights, the rights of the poor, and the importance of welfare for the neediest in society, these align closer to the Democratic Party (USA).

These issues should be looked at in their complexity.  For example, even with the abortion issue it is not an open and close case in the Roman Catholic church.  While the church does not support either the taking of a child's life to save the mother or vice versa, it does recognize that medically neutral and necessary procedures to save the mother may have unintended consequences for the life of the child.  For more info on the view of the Roman Catholic church on abortion see the link below.  Protestant denominations have traditionally held more liberal views on abortion.  This illustrates the complex nature of these political arguments, and the fact that Christian denominations have often interpreted views such as abortion in different ways, while still upholding essentially a high regard for life.

So what should be the role of the church in the political context.  One answer comes from N.T. Wright who reminds the church that its role is to hold up a mirror to those in power and not necessarily try to control power in order to bring about one particular vision of a 'christian' society.  He argues that the role currently held by the media was once a role that was the function of the church.  The PC(USA) office of public witness is an example of what N.T.Wright is talking about, a non-partisan office of the Presbyterian church that seeks to advocate for important social issues that stem from Christians understanding of the gospel.  Wright himself illustrates how basic social welfare has always been traditionally part of the church's social witness.  In the current volatile political climate, it is increasing important for Christians to reflect on the role of the church as a part of society that holds politicians accountable as suggested by N.T. Wright. 

It is important for us to remember that there are many issues where good Christians will disagree.  Abortion is one of those issues.  There are complexities that do not make for a clear black and white answer as to when life begins, or which life should be prioritized.  On the other hand, there are tenets that are critical to the core of Christianity.  While whether Christians should own guns, abortion, contraception, and many other politicized opinions are not essential for Christian belief, issues of racism and discrimination are clearly addressed in scripture and go to the core of the Christian message of love, acceptance and charity.  

Roman Catholic Diocese view on abortion

PC(USA) views on abortion

ELCA Lutheran view on abortion

ACNA view on abortion

Greek Orthodox View on Abortion

Political Activity Guidelines from PC(USA)

List includes allowed and impermissible political actions

by Gregg Brekke | Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE – The legal counsel of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has issued a set of guidelines for pastors, congregations and mid-councils during the election season. As tax exempt organizations, the guidelines prohibit PC(USA) entities from campaigning for or against a candidate but allows promotion of or lobbying for or against issues.

Updated for the 2016 Presidential election cycle, guidelines and reference links are contained below.

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Political Activity Guidelines for PC(USA) Organizations

Permissible Activities for Churches and Other Entities, Especially During Election Years

October  2016

In this Presidential election year, questions regarding permissible activities from churches have been raised. As a federal tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), at all levels (i.e., General Assembly, synod, presbytery and particular congregation), is permitted to engage in a limited, insubstantial amount of witnessing or lobbying activities which attempt to influence legislation or issues. It is strictly prohibited, however, from engaging in political activity that includes, but is not limited to, participating or intervening, directly or indirectly, in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for elective public office. Violation of these limits may result in the revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes.

For more information, see the following resources:

• The Pew Forum’s article Preaching Politics from the Pulpit.  Link:  http://www.pewforum.org/Church-State-Law/preaching-politics-from-the-pulpit-2012.aspx
• The Legal Resource Manual for Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Middle Governing Bodies and Churches’ Taxation Section.  Link:  https://www.pcusa.org/resource/legal-resource-manual/ Please see pages 90 and 91 of 187 of the pdf document found using the link.
• The Internal Revenue Service publication Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations.  Link:  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf
• Additional Information from the Internal Revenue Service Related to Political Campaign Intervention by Tax-Exempt Organizations.  Link:  http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Restriction-of-Political-Campaign-Intervention-by-Section-501(c)(3)-Tax-Exempt-Organizations

Original source PC(USA) mission agency link

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