Only 16% of white evangelicals had heard about immigration from their pastor or other clergy. Why do these Biblical themes have just a minor influence on white evangelical views?
During Church Between Borders workshops participants offer a different response. They are astounded by the level of dysfunction in U.S. immigration policy. “No one has ever told me about this,” is a common reflection. Minor debates about how the OT word “immigrant” might apply to current issues dissipate and the Micah 6:8 words, “do justice,” come into focus.
To preach about justice within the context of our broken immigration system requires recognizing two dynamics that bring about justice in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for justice is mispat--it is about taking action and rendering to others their due. The Hebrew word for righteousness is sedeq. It is an attribute of being pure or right--it often refers to the condition of one’s heart.
First, change only comes for the most vulnerable when people with influence are willing to speak up in the face of the status quo.
Second, invite the congregation to take time to give the facts a chance. The Emergency Immigration Act of 1921 was supposed to be a temporary measure, but it proved to be a permanent turning point. Previous to 1921 5-10,000 immigrants per day passed through Ellis Island. Currently, the quota for low skilled workers is set at 5,000 per year.
Trying to understand every justice issue is a tall order. But when the food we eat and even the grapes for our communion wine come through the hands of immigrants, who were never truly offered a feasible way to enter the U.S. legally, we do well to invite our congregations to listen to facts and their stories.
In Christian Principles for Immigration Reform Michael Gerson suggests three very specific principles for having a right heart. One of the principles says, “Whatever our policy views, the dehumanization of undocumented workers is not an option.”
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