Evangelical Leaders Call for Compassion for Refugees
For a recording of the call click here.
December 2, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. — National and local evangelical leaders from across the country joined a press call today to voice their support for welcoming refugees and asylum seekers, and highlight the biblical call to welcome the vulnerable.
As Congress considers how to move forward on refugee-related legislation, Evangelical Immigration Table organizations also sent a letter to Congress today, calling for compassion and declaring their churches’ and colleges’ commitment to help refugees resettle and integrate successfully.
“Our faith inspires us to respond with compassion and hospitality to those fleeing violence and persecution,” the letter states. “Jesus himself was a refugee, and he teaches us to do unto others as we would have them do to us. Compassion is not in conflict with national security.
“The U.S. refugee resettlement program has embodied both values and continues to be a valuable humanitarian tool that should be supported. Our nation has rich history as a beacon of freedom and hope. Please help us as we write the next chapter in this history.”
The following are quotes from speakers on today’s call:
Galen Carey, Vice President of Government Relations, National Association of Evangelicals:
“Evangelicals have strongly supported the U.S. refugee resettlement program for decades because it not only reflects the American value of protecting human life and freedom, but also our Christian commitment to caring for the most vulnerable. The United States has the best and most secure refugee resettlement program in the world. Our approach has worked so well because evangelical Christians and others have played a prominent role in welcoming the 3 million freedom-loving refugees who are now valued members of our communities and churches.”
Ali Chambers, Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church, Memphis, Tenn.:
“We come to the issue of immigration with a Christian perspective and with a historical perspective. In the history of humanity, we have all been refugees or immigrants, many of us fleeing persecution. As a pastor I lead my people to approach immigration and the outsider in that way. We always want to be welcoming to those who are less fortunate than we are, who are vulnerable, who are hurting. This is the heart of the gospel message. And we would hope that our country’s response would reflect that as well.”
Barrett Duke, Vice President for Public Policy and Research, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention:
“The Middle East is in great turmoil today, but the church is not. Our security resides in a Savior who overcame death itself. Some look at the current Syrian crisis and respond with fear. Fear divides, love unites. Our confidence in God can empower us to look past fear and see in the refugee a fellow human being, created in God’s image, who needs our love and help.”
Tyler Johnson, Lead Pastor of Redemption Church Arizona:
“The responsibility of pastoral leadership is to remind congregants of God. Christians believe God is seen perfectly in the man Jesus Christ. Jesus himself was an international migrant whose family was fleeing violence. Christians are to call one other to greater love and good deeds. The Bible tells us that this call to love extends even into the purpose of government. Government is given by God to create more loving and just societies.”
Chris McElwee, Local Impact Pastor, Wheaton Bible Church, West Chicago, Ill.:
“Immigrants bring things to our community that are so welcome and so needed. We learn so much from our immigrant brothers and sisters: their grit, their determination, their high value of family and community. We as a church have benefited from learning from these people who have come from all over and joined our congregation. It has been a real gift to have the opportunity to learn from them, grow with them, and see their families thrive in our community into the second and third generations.”
Mike Phillips, Senior Pastor, Immanuel Fellowship, Frisco, Colo.:
“We are advocating a compassionate approach to the Syrian refugee crisis. Many evangelicals, specifically here in Colorado, are increasingly bothered by negative rhetoric that is fueling hate and fear. As I’ve looked at the vetting process, I think it’s a very tight, very good process, but I understand that some people are frightened. I’m hearing from evangelicals that they want to be more proactive to help the millions of refugees.”
Jenny Yang, Vice President of Advocacy and Policy, World Relief:
“Evangelical leaders across the country are standing with refugees as an outward sign of their compassion and faith. The U.S. refugee resettlement program must continue to welcome the most vulnerable refugees from around the world. We urge Congress to not restrict the program in any way and instead work with local faith communities and governments to welcome refugees.”
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The Evangelical Immigration Table is a broad coalition of evangelical organizations and leaders advocating for immigration reform consistent with biblical values.
