Immigration Focus

"The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt." - Leviticus 19:34

Applying this and related Bible passages to the current local and national conversation on immigration was the focus at First Mennonite Church on Sunday, June 27. Pastor David Orr introduced the topic during the 10:45 a.m. worship service. The service is the beginning of a six-month immigration emphasis organized by the congregation's Economic Justice Team.

"The Arizona Immigration Law, the initiative in Fremont, Nebraska, and State Senator Janssen's expressed intention to introduce a bill regarding immigration in the next legislative session, make it urgent that we address this issue," said Orr. "For seven years our denomination has been committed to acting ‘with and on behalf of our immigrant brothers and sisters, regardless of their legal status.' (Mennonite Church USA Statement) It is time for us to translate those words into deeds here in Nebraska."

"God's Love Has No Borders - Immigration Reform Must Be Just" is the message of a banner that the members of church installed on the church lawn at the conclusion of the worship service. Orr said, "Our hope is that it will reminded people of their own immigrant heritage and of the Bible's teachings which are often forgotten as this issue is debated."

First Mennonite Church is producing the banner in English and Spanish versions for other congregations and individuals who would like to display them. Information is available at www.fmclincoln.org/immigrationbanner.