A Voice in the Matter

As president, I have focused The Alliance on our All of Jesus for All the World vision. In my 12 years, there has been a continual stream of issues that are significant to the American public but seem only peripheral at best to the fulfillment of our mission. Hence, I’ve rarely addressed national topics or headline news. I’ve felt that it would deter us from staying focused on our primary calling in The Alliance and not aid it. However, from time to time, it feels like there’s a crossover of headline news and the fulfillment of our mission, and at that point, I feel compelled to speak.

The recent executive orders on immigration engage both criteria: they involve biblical principles and impact many Alliance people.

While the complexity of immigration policy exceeds my expertise, Scripture clearly commands us to love our neighbors. Once refugees or immigrants enter our communities, they become our neighbors, and our mandate is to love them.

The C&MA has been an active member of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) since its earliest days. I value their balanced approach to complex issues. While I would phrase things differently, I affirm the heart of Walter Kim’s recent statement.

Our Story’s Scriptural Basis

The Judeo-Christian faith is surprisingly a story of immigration. Abraham left his homeland for God’s promised land. Joseph was sent to Egypt, and the Jewish people lived as migrants for generations. Over time, God’s people are scattered far and wide during the Exile. Even Jesus and His parents fled to Egypt. Aquila and Priscilla were forced out of Rome to live in Corinth. Peter refers to us all as “aliens and strangers” on earth (1 Pet. 2:11).

God’s law explicitly protected aliens’ rights among the Israelites. While today’s political context differs, God’s heart for justice remains clear and should become ours.

Dr. Simpson, who came from Canada, ministered amidst the thousands of new immigrants in New York City despite opposition. These earliest moments of our founder serving new arrivals whom others rejected are embedded in our Alliance DNA.

Our International Narrative

The Alliance has grown to become a multinational, multicultural family. Over half of our church attendees represent non-Anglo cultures. This is one of our strengths, preparing us for that moment when all peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations gather around God’s throne.

One reason for the move of our National Office to Columbus reflected this commitment to engage with complex communities. As a result, we’re experiencing flourishing relationships with Bhutanese, Nepalese, Congolese, West African, Hispanic, and other communities.

While respecting governmental authority, a natural expression of our love for God and our neighbor is to offer prayer and practical support to affected families. Immigrant communities need neighbors who demonstrate Christ’s love through practical assistance, friendship, language training, and legal resources. I’m proud of our Alliance family who, time after time, from community to community, has lived out our King’s assignment described in Matthew 25, remembering that, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40).

An Appeal to the Family

To the Alliance person who’s watching the news and is aware of the changes in your own community, I’d like to say this: it’s okay to have political opinions. It’s impossible not to have political opinions. You may celebrate the recent executive orders or be angered by them, but whatever our political views, it is our calling from the Lord, our privilege by the Spirit, and our heritage in The Alliance to be people of loving hospitality. After all, the word hospitality in the New Testament arises from the idea of love of strangers.

Two commands remain non-negotiable regardless of our politics: “Love the Lord your God” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37; 39).

Resources:

• Watch an Alliance-produced video on our God who welcomes the stranger.
• Explore Churches of Welcome as a resource to help churches serve those experiencing crisis and displacement.
• Lean in and learn more about humanitarian crises around the globe through World Relief.
• Learn more about The Alliance’s Refugee and Immigrant Network (RAIN) that engages our churches in sharing the gospel with refugees and immigrants.
• Learn more about, get involved with, and download resources through Alliance ESL, a ministry of the C&MA reaching the nations in the U.S. 

Contact your district office for additional information on immigration-focused resources.