Evangelical leaders who were once harsh in their views on immigration reform have evolved into a more compassionate contingent, not only nationwide but also in Florida. Its the turning of a tide, a movement to change.
The Evangelical Immigration Table gathered in Washington, D.C., Wednesday in a united effort toward immigration reform. Hundreds gathered together for the "Day of Prayer and Action" as evangelical leaders reach out to Congress for valid change, and prayed along the way.
One initiative garnered by this group is the I Was a Stranger 40-day challenge. The heart behind the challenge is that the Bible inspires Christ-followers to love, welcome and seek justice for immigrants. Throughout the 40 days, prayer and Scripture is given that will inspire the reader to interact with foreigners and support public policy.
There are 11 million people living in the United States illegally with more than 700,000 living in Florida. Many of them fear deportation and live in desperation. It could be your neighbor next door or the family that sits next to you at church.
Dr. David Uth, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Orlando, has a congregation that speaks 32 different languages. Dr. Uth has personally known families who fear deportation. As the growing number of foreigners touches us in personal ways, so do views of evangelicals toward immigration in the form of compassion.
There is a burgeoning awakening to the plight of those who have come here to begin anew or dare to dream big.
Libby Franco has an immigrant perspective. Her mother and husband are from the Dominican Republic, a land bathed in poverty. She has seen the desperate measures her Dominican friends are willing to take and even the struggles for those who are here. Libbys aunt fought for a college education when she had just a temporary green card. There should be an easier way, she noted.
In an Open Letter to President Obama and Congress, the Evangelical Immigration Table is proposing bipartisan solutions that include respecting the dignity of every person, protecting the unity of the family, secure borders and establishing a path toward legal status.
Coinciding with the Table event, the Gang of Eight, a bipartisan group of senators including Marco Rubio of Florida, has proposed its own immigration bill that includes a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Rubio called it a starting point.
The Campaign for Citizenship, a faith group, was quick to chime in with its own adjustments. Bishop Ricardo McClin, pastor of the Church of God Restoration in Kissimmee, expressed appreciation for the senators' efforts; however, their recommendations include a seven-year path to citizenship and a way for all immigrants to become legal.
Dr. Joel C. Hunter, senior pastor of Northland, a Church Distributed in Longwood, is a signatory for the Open Letter. In a response to what his view is on immigration, Dr. Hunter said, We will be judged, both by history and by God, by the way we treated people, especially those who needed our help. Immigration reform is not just a matter of compassion but a necessity for greatness. If we can build a nation of families and support networks that not only help the marginalized to be successful, but help the successful to be helpful, then we can better live up to our potential as a people.
The tidal wave of change among evangelicals has begun.
Lisa Beth Folch writes special to Sunshine State News.
