By Gayle Kesselman at ADMC.

Several religious congregations have elected to defy the laws of the United States and provide sanctuary for illegal aliens facing deportation. We encourage everyone to read this excellent critique of some churches’ position in regards to illegal immigration. The author makes some good points. This article will help you win any debate/discussion with those who advocate open borders from a religious perspective. The author, Brooke Levitske, is a student at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She wrote this piece as s a media intern at the Acton Institute.

Illegal Immigration and the Church: Philanthropic Lawlessness
by Brooke Levitske

Christians are dividing over the issue of immigration – along lines not necessarily predictable by creed, denomination, or even political bent. The emotionally charged immigration issue is forcing Christians to consider not only the institutionalized response of churches, but also the individual requirements of faith.

Recently, large-scale deportation raids on companies known to hire illegal workers have prompted church leaders in about 50 cities to begin sheltering other immigrants who face deportation. Several churches have joined what is called the New Sanctuary Movement, a national organization pledging, among other things, to “protect immigrants against unjust deportation.” The protection often involves sheltering immigrants in church buildings, where government officials are reluctant to make arrests….

…it seems inadvisable to the church, as a societal institution, to disobey the law to protect illegal immigrants from deportation. Christ expected his followers to treat criminals in prison the way they would treat him, but he said nothing about busting them out of prison. The church has a tremendous interest, morally and practically, in preserving the rule of law. From a moral perspective, Scripture teaches that we are to submit to the governing authorities appointed by God. Churches especially ought to honor conscientious immigrants who follow the laws of the land and not undermine their difficult and virtuous choices by systematically condoning illegal behavior. And practically, American churches ought to venerate and cherish the law because it is the guarantor of their religious freedom…..

Please take the time to read all of this very well-written essay.

Gayle Kesselman, a physician, is co-chairperson of the New Jersey Citizens for Immigration Control.