Immigration
Our nation is engaged in a serious debate about how
to deal with and treat immigrants to our country.
The ELCA's Statement on Immigration:
The ELCA, through the Church Council, adopted a message on Immigration in
November, 1998. This was a response to a call by the Churchwide Assembly of the
ELCA in 1997 to put together a statement which would offer “a resource to
congregations for deliberation on attitudes regarding immigrants and a resource
to interpret and apply ELCA policy related to immigration.”
This message is available for use in conversations in printed form. It can also
be found on the ELCA web site (www.elca.org) in
the Church in Society unit of the ELCA (Click
Here for a direct link to the Social Statement.)
Lutheran Immigration and Refuge Service
Another resource available for conversations is the Lutheran Immigration and
Refuge Service of the ELCA. They have numerous printed resources and materials
on their web site to help inform, explain and
help with understandings of their ministry on our behalf.
The question for our conversation is:
As we collectively discern God's call to us as a synod in the coming six
years, what should be our strategy in relating to and addressing the immigrants
who come into our towns, cities, and neighorhoods?
What advice, suggestions, recommendations, etc. will you provide to the synod
leadership (bishop, bishop’s staff and synod council) in preparing and
implementing a strategy for responding to the “stranger in our midst?”
Please send your comments and summary conclusions to:
transition@gulfcoastsynod.org.
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The Bible has numerous references connected to
responding to those who are “foreigners” or “strangers in our land.” Check
out the following verses in Scripture:
Deuteronomy
10:18-19
Deuteronomy
16:11, 14
Isaiah 61:5
Psalm 146: 7-9
Ephesians 2:12, 19
Hebrews 13:2
In addition, be reminded of the Great Commandment:
Matthew 22:37-39
Love the Lord your God….and love your neighbor as yourself |