Press Release: Evangelical Christians Join more than 600 Conservative Leaders in Washington To Push for Immigration Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C., OCTOBER 29, 2013 — As Congress returns its attention to immigration reform, evangelical leaders from across the country are joining more than 600 conservative law enforcement and business leaders in Washington, D.C. today to deliver a unified message that Congress must move forward on immigration reform.
These leaders are meeting in the nation’s capital for “Americans for Reform: Immigration Reform for our Economy, Faith and Security,”an event hosted by the Partnership for a New American Economy, the Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform network, FWD.us and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Coming off of a week of more than 400 large events and small gatherings during “Pray4Reform: Gathered Together in Jesus’ Name,” these evangelical leaders are continuing the Evangelical Immigration Table’s Pray for Reform campaign. They are asking members of Congress to support reform for the sake of our nation’s economy, security and moral integrity — and to take action this year.
The following are quotes from participants in the October 29 fly-in:
Dr. Barrett Duke, Vice President for Public Policy and Research, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention:
“The House of Representatives has already made good progress toward reforming our country’s broken immigration system. It is within their reach to finish what they started. I am praying that the God who loves the stranger will empower them to accomplish this task.”
Rev. Gabriel Salguero, Pastor, The Lamb’s Church; President, National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC):
“The time has come to resolve the immigration challenges in our country. Evangelicals from every walk of life are looking for real solutions that respect the rule of law and make moral and economic sense. The evangelical community is glad to be part of this broad constituency of Bibles, badges, and business who believe in common sense immigration reform.”
Samuel Alemán, Pastor, First Spanish Baptist Church of Atlanta, Ga.:
“I am going to Washington, D.C., because I want to be heard as a Christian and an American citizen. On the immigration issue there is a definite biblical position, and it is important for me to share it. I want legislators to know that when a country welcomes people to work, buy houses, educate their children, incorporate their businesses and do other things legally, it has the obligation to provide a way for them of resolve the legal issue of immigration with a law that respects their human and family rights.”
Pastor Danny Garrido, The Crossing Church, Colorado Springs, Colo.:
“As a pastor in Colorado Springs who works with immigrants, I believe there are three reasons that we should promote immigration reform. First, family is the most important part of our society; if we separate the family we weaken our country, values, and economic system. Second, we are trying to present some Biblical alternatives for social and justice problems so the government can focus on other issues in our country. Third, political discrepancies have been putting this issue under the carpet for such a long time; consequently, today immigration issues look like a ‘seven-headed monster’ when the reality is not like that. I think as Christians we can present an alternative that includes justice, freedom and entrepreneurship.”
Pastor John Gil, Youth Pastor, Victory Christian Church, Tulsa, Okla.:
“Immigration reform must happen now. In order for the next generation to succeed, the families and parents of this generation need citizenship today. This one decision will benefit the cities, states, and country as a whole.”
Jeremy Hudson, Fellowship Christian Church, Pastor Spring Hill Campus, Springfield, Ohio:
“I want my congressman to know that the current system is failing, namely in the way that it breaks apart families and fails to treat people with the basic respect and human dignity they deserve. I want to encourage Congress to put politics aside and pass legislation that provides both safety and relief for our citizens and our guests. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and our current system falls woefully short. I’m praying for a change and praying that it comes quickly.”
Rev. Mark Milkamp, Open Hearts Community Church, Reformed Church in America, Wyoming, Mich.:
“Our mission as followers of Jesus is not merely one of seeking the personal salvation of others, but we also play an active role in the advancement of God’s redemption into every square inch of creation, especially God’s intentions of justice. The gospel is primarily concerned with justice. The laws and systems in place in our nation concerning immigration are outdated, inhibit economic growth, strip human dignity. This is one issue that nearly all parties involved realize the need to reform. I hope in some small humble way to be a part of this much needed movement.”
Pastor Tim C. Moore, Senior Pastor, Walk Worthy Baptist Church, Austin, Texas:
“The need for immigration reform must be talked about in terms of those who cross and those who hire. Both are huge problems. But no party or government can stop the flow of civilization that marches to the desire of a better and more productive way of life. Our nation’s past was built on that march. Our best future will be a continued embrace of that march. It’s now time for immigration reform!”
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Americans for Reform Sponsors: American Farm Bureau Federation – TechNet – Wal-Mart – Western Growers Association
Conveners: Americans for Tax Reform – Bipartisan Policy Center – Bread for the World – Christian Community Development Association – Consumer Electronics Association – Engine Advocacy – Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention – ImmigrationWorksUSA – Liberty Counsel Action – Marriott International – McDonald’s – Microsoft – National Association of Evangelicals – National Association of Manufacturers – National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference – National Latino Evangelical Coalition – National Restaurant Association – Republicans for Immigration Reform – Sojourners – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – U.S. Travel Association – World Relief
