Welcoming the Immigrant
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In all times, God calls us as Christians to stand as a beacon of hope, compassion, and justice. We feel compelled to speak clearly and unequivocally: we affirm the God-given dignity of all people, and we declare our unwavering commitment to welcoming the immigrant, the refugee, and the stranger among us. This conviction is rooted in the sacred Scriptures, from beginning to end.
Leviticus 19:34-34 tell us “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
Jesus Christ, our Savior, was himself a refugee – fleeing violence as an infant and relying on the hospitality of foreign soil. In his teachings, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that our treatment of the vulnerable is a reflection of our love for him: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me . . . truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:35,40.
We believe the Church must not be silent when fear and exclusion threaten those around us. We are called to embody a radical hospitality that reflects the boundless grace we have received. Therefore, we reaffirm our commitment to:
Welcome the stranger in our midst with love and dignity.
Advocate for just and compassionate immigration policies.
Offer practical support to immigrants and refugees in our community.
Pray for the healing of divided hearts and the flourishing of all people.
We call upon our elected officials, locally and nationally, and at all levels of government, to ensure that every individual, regardless of citizenship or immigration status is:
Treated with dignity and respect, and children are kept with their families.
Afforded due process and given equal treatment under the law.
Assured that their health and safety will be protected, especially when they are being detained, imprisoned, held captive, or deported.
Let us, as the Body of Christ, step out to meet this moment with courage, compassion, and conviction – knowing that when we open our doors and hearts to the immigrant, we welcome Christ.
Approved by the Session (the governing body) of Westminster, May 11, 2025