VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 5/14/10)—On May 6, 2010, a meeting was held at the Mission Center in Valley Forge to discuss how American Baptists might engage the issue of immigration and immigration reform. A letter was written and endorsed by many denominational leaders, most of whom attended the meeting.
The letter is an open message promoting a view of immigration reform focused on mercy and justice, mirroring God’s love for all of humankind. The letter is available on the American Baptist Churches USA website, at: http://www.abc-usa.org. Click here for a direct link.
American Baptists have been in the forefront of welcoming immigrants into our country and churches for over 100 years. There is no one racial or ethnic group holding majority membership in the American Baptist Churches, USA.
General Secretary Roy Medley has noted, "There is broad agreement among Protestant leaders (including those represented in the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Council of Churches, Sojourners and Church World Service) that immigration reform in our country must reflect mercy and justice rooted in God’s love through 'immigration reform legislation that is consistent with humanitarian values, supports families, provides a pathway to citizenship for immigrant workers already in the U.S., expands legal avenues for workers to enter the U.S. with their rights and due process fully protected, and examines solutions to address the root causes of migration.' (quoted by Evangelicals for Social Action from Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform-Sojourners) This moral framework is shared by Roman Catholic and Orthodox faith leaders as well."
‘And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? 39 And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' 40 And the King will answer them, `Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' (Matt 25:38-40)
“We do not claim any superior understanding of the issue or what the Gospel demands of us. We know there are differing perspectives in our denominational family,” the letter states. “One of our purposes in writing you, in fact, is to encourage brothers and sisters in the faith to share those different perspectives so that our conversation and our responses in word and deed can be richer and more representative.”
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.