STATEMENT ON IMMIGRATION

March, 2025

 

Why Action is Appropriate:

 

 

The Constitution of Christ Lutheran Church provides that the congregation shall “serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs, . . . advocating dignity and justice for all people, . . . standing with the poor and powerless, and committing itself to their needs. (C4.02d)

 

To fulfill those purposes, the congregation shall “Witness to the reconciling Word of God in Christ, reaching out to all people … [r]espond to human need, work for justice and peace, care for the sick and suffering, and participate responsibly in society.” (C4.03e, f)

 

These Constitutional provisions flow the teachings of Jesus Christ to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) and to follow the example of the Good Samaritan. Unlike the powerful priest and the Levite who walked by a fallen and injured man, the Samaritan, an outsider, showed mercy and bound up his wounds and paid for his shelter. “Go and do likewise,” Jesus says. (Luke 10:37)

 

It is appropriate for the Congregation Council to take up this matter because of its responsibility “to lead this congregation in stating its mission.” (C12.04a)

 

Resolution:

 

The Council of Christ Lutheran Church endorse the statements of Presiding Bishop Eaton on January 24 and the Joint Statement on Immigration from the ELCA Bishops in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan on January 25, 2025, and adopt them as Statements of Christ Lutheran Church. In doing so, the Council of Christ Lutheran Church affirms the dignity of all people and their right to compassionate, just and fair treatment.

 

Actions That Could be Taken in Support of the Resolution:

 

1—The Council communicate its action to the congregation of Christ Lutheran Church and encourage members of this church to:

  • deepen their understanding of the conditions migrants and refugees face and seek to see the many and complex issues of immigration from the point of view of migrants and refugees
  • advocate for policies that affirm the dignity of every person and stand against actions that demean or exclude
  • to especially consider, as Bishop Eaton urged in a video message of February 15, 2025, making known the Church’s objection to enforcement of deportation orders in churches, schools, and hospitals to legislators and leaders 2
  • participate responsibly in society by using language that recognizes the humanity of all people and their place in the world as worthy children of God who are entitled to compassion, justice and dignity and by avoiding language that demeans, stereotypes or excludes people or that instills fear, hostility or division or is untrue
  • to pray that grace, wisdom and healing be granted to themselves, the Church, our leaders and country

 

2—Make copies of the AMMPARO documents mentioned by the Bishops readily available in an accessible, useable format to members of the congregation

 

3—Post a copy of this Statement on the church website for a period of time