TEC and the Immigration Issue
The Episcopal Church stands as a testament to love, compassion, and acceptance. The denial of human dignity and Christian compassion that is ongoing at our borders should have every faithful Episcopalian upset. In the face of today's immigration debates, the Church is presented with a moral duty. Preventing immigrants from seeking a better life in the United States is fundamentally antithetical to the core beliefs of the Episcopal faith, and so long as we continue to be complacent to the distress of those in need, seeking shelter in our country, we are no better than those who keep them out.
Throughout the Bible, Jesus's teachings and actions are replete with instances of acceptance and love. He didn’t see people as legal or illegal, he saw them as people, as the children of God. Remember, Jesus said, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35). Jesus turned no one away, treating all with compassion, regardless of their origins or status. This beckons the question: If we profess to follow His teachings, how can we turn away those seeking refuge, hope, and a better future?
The Book of Common Prayer reiterates the importance of love, compassion, and understanding. While it doesn’t speak directly to the concept of borders, it emphasizes the universality of God's love and the duty of Christians to extend that love to all. Denying our fellow human beings the opportunity for a better life based on invisible lines drawn on maps contradicts the spirit of the Bible and, more broadly, our Christian faith.
The heart of sin lies in the apathy and disdain shown toward one's fellow people. This apathy manifests as hatred, exemplified when we gaze upon our fellow humans, acknowledging their suffering, and coldly declare, "You're not allowed here." Such sentiments not only highlight the deep-seated xenophobia that plagues society but also underscore a departure from Christ’s teachings. Xenophobia, much like other prejudices, is a manifestation of the original sin, a stark reminder of our fallibility.
As Episcopalians, our commitment to rooting out such evils should be unwavering. It is our sacred duty to challenge and rectify societal prejudices. This is especially true when they so blatantly contradict the core teachings of our faith. By advocating for the abolition of borders and the acceptance of all, we reinforce the fundamental belief that every human, irrespective of nationality, race, or status, is deserving of love, respect, and a fair chance at life.
Borders, in their very nature, are divisive. While they might serve political or administrative functions, they have no place in the realm of spirituality and morality. To bar someone entry, to deny them opportunities based purely on their place of birth, stands in stark contrast to everything the Episcopal Church believes. As we move forward, it is essential to remember the teachings of Christ, to spread love and acceptance, and to work tirelessly to ensure that our actions reflect our beliefs. In the words of the Apostle Paul, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28). We must ensure that our actions and policies echo this profound truth: no human is illegal, and everyone deserves love, respect, and opportunity.