Posted on 10/26/2011 6:31:51 PM PDT by moonshinner_09
SALT LAKE CITY — The intersection of faith communities and undocumented immigrants boils down to a basic Christian tenet, said the Rev. Steven R. Mitchell of the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Rock Springs, Wyo.
"Jesus never turned anyone away. Neither do we," the Rev. Mitchell said.
Mark Kadel, director of World Relief Spokane, said the issue must be framed in terms of "real people."
"In God's eye, no one is illegal. They may be undocumented but they're not illegal," said Kadel, who directs programs that work with refugees, immigrants and victims of human trafficking.
The two men were among a panel of faith leaders to address the inaugural Mountain West Summit on immigration issues Wednesday. They were joined by The Rev. Martin Diaz, who represented the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City.
Father Diaz, pastor of St. Therese parish in Midvale, said the Catholic Church had experienced considerable growth as immigrants of Spanish-speaking countries have immigrated to the United States in recent decades.
(Excerpt) Read more at deseretnews.com ...
-——“Jesus never turned anyone away. Neither do we,” the Rev. Mitchell said. “——
That is a rather broad statement considering the very limited knowledge we have of Jesus
Jesus turned none away. That is true enough, but he did expect one to repent,accept Him, and go and sin no more.
Illegal immigrants who fail to come forward, become citizens etc. don’t fit Jesus’ criteria.
There are many parables discussing these two points.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.