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The Social Justice Committee invites you to Stand in Loving Relationship with Our Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Brothers and Sisters

A recent visit from a representative of Frontera de Cristo, a Presbyterian border ministry in Arizona.

“What do you do with what you believe? How do you behave? Behave what you believe!” –Rev. Dr. Bob Meneilly

These days the topic of immigration is continually in the news. Some persons advocate a policy of mass deportation, and to achieve this goal there are reports of frightening rhetoric and harsh treatment towards immigrants, migrants, and undocumented workers. Too often, arrest and deportation actions are taken with little regard for judicial custom and legal requirements.

Immigration is a complex topic, and well-meaning persons sometimes have very different thoughts as to how it should be addressed. Typically, this issue is discussed in terms of partisan politics, but we believe it is neither a Republican nor a Democratic issue, but a Gospel issue, for we have been called by God to love one another. Deportation, separation of families, mass arrests, and internment camps insult human dignity and ignore God’s call to love one another which occurs throughout Scripture.

We, the Social Justice Ministry of Village Presbyterian Church, believe all persons are sacred sisters and brothers, made in the image of God, and therefore should be loved as neighbors and treated with respect and dignity (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31).

Guided by our faith’s call to welcome the stranger and by our belief in the inherent dignity of all people, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) actively advocates for and works toward compassionate and just immigration laws and processes. Further, the PC(USA) seeks to embody Christ’s call to justice, compassion, and welcome for all who journey in search of safety and hope.

Village Church acknowledges that as a Matthew 25 church, we have a commitment to be engaged in the world and to make a difference in people’s lives and in our communities. But even more than the guidance of our denomination, we remember the familiar words of the Prophet Micah, who calls us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. And we are called not to do our justice, but God’s justice, mindful that God will judge the world with righteousness and the people with God’s truth (Micah 6:8, Psalm 96:13.)

In accepting our moral responsibility, the Social Justice Ministry resolves to continue to pray, study, and wrestle with this complex issue. Further, we resolve to stand courageously and compassionately with immigrants, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers as we follow the witness of our PC(USA) leaders who speak against government actions and laws that contradict God’s word. In addition, as members of Social Justice Ministry:

  • We proclaim boldly our Christian faith’s core values of an inclusive society, the dignity of every human being, and God’s universal love.
  • We continue to bear witness against the separation of families and the unlawful deportation of fathers, mothers, and children who have been denied their rights of due process. We unequivocally condemn all inhumane and unjust treatment. We resolutely denounce the unlawful use of our National Guard and of federal military forces to enforce Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids throughout our country.
  • We will urge the people of Village Church to pray and reflect on these issues to discern where God may be calling us individually and collectively.
  • We encourage a discipleship of action by participating in peaceful resistance, lobbying for fair and just immigration policies with local, state and national representatives, and engaging in actions of justice advocacy and steadfast prayer to discern God’s will for our nation.
  • We pledge to connect with, support, and advocate for our immigrant congregations in Heartland Presbytery: The Arabic Fellowship, Christ Presbyterian Haitian Fellowship, Grandview Park Presbyterian Church, and Neema Community Church. We pledge to be in relationship with these congregations and to support to them in service and by financial gift, as appropriate to each congregation.
  • We pledge to be in conversation and engaged with our congregation through ministry, adult classes, and publications on current immigration and deportation policies as well as events that threaten due process, our democratic system, and the safety and lives of our immigrant brothers and sisters.

Finally, we pray that God’s peace, grace and wisdom will be upon us as we seek justice, mercy, and goodness for all humankind. May we continually endeavor to follow the greatest commandment to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. And may we also love our neighbor as ourselves, remembering that Jesus said all the law and the prophets rest on these two commandments.