New Letter: Evangelical Organizations Urge Administration to Respect Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, a coalition of evangelical organizations sent a letter to President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary nominee Kristi Noem, urging these leaders to remember their commitment to religious liberty.
The letter follows immigration-related announcements from the Trump administration earlier this week, homing in on two policy changes in particular.
The termination of longstanding policy guidance around the engagement of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs (ICE) and Border Protection (CBP) Officers in “sensitive locations,” including churches, schools, and hospitals, raises serious concerns around religious liberty, as this policy will deter people from attending their churches, limiting the Church’s ability to offer the Gospel to all.
Similarly, the temporary suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program limits the country’s ability to offer protection for people seeking religious freedom in their own countries, many of whom are Christians seeking to practice their faith freely.
The leaders acknowledge the ways in which President Trump demonstrated commitment to religious liberty during his first term and urge him and his administration to re-implement the “sensitive locations” guidance and recognize the importance of keeping the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
The following are quotes from leaders of Evangelical Immigration Table organizations:
David Hoag, President, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU):
“The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is dedicated to collaborating with the Trump administration to promote the safety and protection of religious freedom, especially on college campuses. While we agree that safety of all Americans is paramount, generating apprehension about attending church services stands as an obstacle to religious liberty and threatens long-standing and deeply valued religious traditions that are vital to Christian colleges and universities. The CCCU proudly acknowledges churches as sacred spaces for worship and asks the Trump administration to respect the religious freedom of sensitive spaces, including houses of worship, both in and outside Christian institutions.”
Myal Greene, President & CEO, World Relief:
“Religious liberty, the right to live out one’s faith without governmental interference or persecution, is vital for Americans and beyond. Our federal government should respect this core principle, both by avoiding immigration policy changes that scare families away from church services and by sustaining the U.S. refugee resettlement program, a longstanding legal process designed to offer safety and protection to those who have fled persecution on account of their faith in other countries.”
Walter Kim, President, National Association of Evangelicals:
“Police in authoritarian countries routinely enter churches to arrest believers. Thankfully, the United States has been a beacon of hope for those persecuted for their faith and for the freedom to worship peacefully. We should continue this life-saving tradition, and we should not dishonor this proud legacy by allowing government agents to enter church buildings in America seeking to deport immigrant believers.”
