This is a letter I wrote to the congregation after my return from a trip to South Africa where I helped lead a retreat on being peacemakers in a world of fear.
I missed a lot while I was away through nearly all of June. I missed two Sundays - where I heard you even sang together as part of the sermon. I missed planning meetings - and nearly missed the Luau!
One other thing I missed was a Vigil last Saturday that took place across the country and throughout our region by churches of every conceivable denomination. The vigil was a Christian response to the separation of children from their parents seeking asylum at the southern border. I felt bad missing the Vigil, especially since I had gotten home from South Africa the night before. Jet lag and the time difference kept me out of things, however, and I slept while others prayed.
Since St. James’ was only modestly represented at these vigils (we DID have a few members of the parish take part, and for that I am thankful) - I feel it my obligation to let you know my thoughts on the separation of children and the faith community’s response.
To be brief, I stand with all those who protest these separation. It is, and can only be seen by Christians, as reprehensible. There are theological and practical reasons for this. Firstly, there is nothing in scripture to justify the hostile response these refugees receive. There is no scriptural justification for closing the borders the way we do in modern society. Indeed, scripture anticipated immigrants and refugees (from war, famine, and poverty) - and commanded that the faithful welcome them and treat them with kindness and hospitality.
If one is to actually follow Christ, one must see all those crossing our borders - regardless of “legal” status - as brothers and sisters in need, a need we ignore at peril to our souls.
On a practical level, these immigrants and refugees do not pose a threat to us. Studies have repeatedly shown that immigrants tend to be LESS inclined toward violence than home-bred citizens. Terrorism - with a few obvious exceptions - has been predominantly perpetrated by natural citizens. Communities are safer when they include immigrants.
Moreover, immigrants (including refugees) contribute far more to our society than they take. Indeed, undocumented immigrants can’t take much since they aren’t eligibility for things like Welfare or Medicaid. They take jobs nobody else wants. It’s automation and off-shoring that eliminates the good-paying jobs.
As Christians, we are called to put ourselves in the shoes of those who risk life, limb, and imprisonment in order to come here. Why would they do such a thing? Why would they risk the lives of their children to make such a tortuous journey with such uncertain prospects? It’s not because they think there’s easy money here. The days are over of people coming from Central and South America just for some quick work to send home. Especially Mexico sees very few of its citizens cross the border for a better life.
Those who come here are mostly from countries where it is too dangerous to stay. Where their lives, and those of their families have been threatened, or where a family member has already been harmed. Nobody undertakes such journeys lightly. As Christians, then, we are called upon to consider their desperation in the midst of our relative comfort. This is precisely the time to ask ourselves not only what Jesus would do, but what does Jesus expect of us as individuals and as a nation.
In short, while I was unable to attend the Vigil or any of the protests against separating immigrant children from their parents, I fully support this movement and urge you to do so. In today’s news (Thursday), it was noted that while the president has changed his mind about separating families, no children have as yet actually been reunited with their parents. I can hope and pray that by the time you read this, that will have changed. But as with many things run by human beings, if someone isn’t standing over their shoulders, it is likely that the families will remain separated, languishing in fear and depression within the confines of chain-link cages.
We are better than that. More importantly, we are commanded by Christ to do better. After all, these are not “illegals.” They are our family.
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