"Undocumented People are God's Children, Too"
By Andre Davis, Member, Park Lake Presbyterian, Orlando, and CFP Anti-Racism Committee Member
There is much anti-immigrants rhetoric coming out of the White House and our state governments. Undocumented people are getting blamed for much. But, while we do encourage people to follow the law, we must also acknowledge undocumented people are in this country doing the most undesirable work (agriculture, roofing, construction, hotels) for meager pay. Someone could even argue that undocumented people—through their cheap labor—help us in America to achieve and maintain the American Dream.
However, where do the church and Faith Leaders stand? We, Faith Leaders and Christians—must remind ourselves and those in their audiences that undocumented people are God’s children, too. And, there could be immediate psychological repercussions if we fold our hands and just observe as politicians villainize these people. Further, we will absolutely have to answer to the Lord for not speaking up against evil and for being quiet all while God’s children are being stigmatized and hunted. We see that Jesus—in various parts of the Bible—challenged the Pharisees and Sadducees and other government institutions that were preoccupied with having an appearance of holiness, but were reluctant to actually do holy and good deeds.
Similarly, we see the agenda of our new president: he claims to be a Christian (even had his own Bible printed), but he has no compassion for these undocumented people. This is evidenced when he tells lies (calling them rapist and murderers), using them as scapegoats, and claiming undocumented people are solely responsible for why working-class Americans and the economy are not doing well. He is wrong, and in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, undocumented people, we stand with you.
However, where do the church and Faith Leaders stand? We, Faith Leaders and Christians—must remind ourselves and those in their audiences that undocumented people are God’s children, too. And, there could be immediate psychological repercussions if we fold our hands and just observe as politicians villainize these people. Further, we will absolutely have to answer to the Lord for not speaking up against evil and for being quiet all while God’s children are being stigmatized and hunted. We see that Jesus—in various parts of the Bible—challenged the Pharisees and Sadducees and other government institutions that were preoccupied with having an appearance of holiness, but were reluctant to actually do holy and good deeds.
Similarly, we see the agenda of our new president: he claims to be a Christian (even had his own Bible printed), but he has no compassion for these undocumented people. This is evidenced when he tells lies (calling them rapist and murderers), using them as scapegoats, and claiming undocumented people are solely responsible for why working-class Americans and the economy are not doing well. He is wrong, and in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, undocumented people, we stand with you.