Pastoral letter encourages church to love neighbors equally.

By Todd Flory

In the waning light of a congressional session that featured immigration as its top domestic issue, and a strict border enforcement bill authorizing funding for a 700-mile fence between the US and Mexico, the General Board has issued a pastoral letter on welcoming the stranger.

"In the midst of debating economic and political issues, we who follow Jesus are called to speak out on behalf of those who live, work, worship, and reside among us without legal protections. More than that, we are to love them," the letter said.

"My intent for bringing up the paper was not to resolve the political issues...but to ask as we think about these issues, What does the Bible say about this issue and how does that affect our decision making?" said Duane Grady. He and Carol Yeazell, both on the Congregational Life Teams staff, presented the paper as a result of receiving letters from church members about the issue and hearing requests for the General Board to issue a statement regarding immigration for pastoral and congregational use.

The letter will be sent to congregations to help guide understanding and dialogue among church members and congregations. It also will be used by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and shared with the National Council of Churches and Church World Service.

While the general focus of the letter's first draft was well received by the board, some members thought additional work was needed. "I'm glad you brought it up but it needs to be clearer," said board member Frank Ramirez, acknowledging the vast political complexities of the issue.

After a small ad hoc group rewrote the letter, it was revisited by the board and adopted.

The letter encourages Church of the Brethren members to be in conversation about immigration issues and to love neighbors as all people are loved equally in the eyes of God, even if they are labeled as "aliens," "illegal," or "undocumented." Among scriptural passages, Leviticus 19 was referenced highlighting God's call to make sure that strangers in our midst have food to feed their families. The passage reminds the people of Israel that they had been aliens in Egypt, and to deal justly with foreigners. The 1982 Annual Conference statement on undocumented persons and refugees also was lifted up as a helpful resource for addressing the immigration issue.

"I think it's an issue that's really relevant today," said general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "If it causes some unrest, then praise God for its success, because this is an issue for every one of us."

The pastoral letter is available online in both English and Spanish (go to www.brethren.org/genbd/clm/clt/index.html).

--Todd Flory is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the BVS office in Elgin, Ill. Previously he served as a legislative associate at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.

Source: 11/3/2006 Newsline