Harrison encourages church workers on immigration concerns

Cuban immigrants new to the United States arrive May 21, 2016, at Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care in El Paso, Texas. In a recent letter to Synod church workers, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison offers encouragement and hope to those ministering to immigrants, in light of expected immigration “policy and enforcement” changes by the U.S. government. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

In a Jan. 6 letter to the Synod’s Hispanic-ministry workers that’s expected to be emailed Jan. 27 to all other LCMS rostered church workers, Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison shares “words of encouragement and hope” in light of expected “policy and enforcement” changes by the U.S. government toward immigrants.

In the letter, Harrison assures church workers that they “are not alone” in their ministries because of Jesus’ “constant protection” as well as their shared Baptism and Synod membership.

The LCMS, he writes, “is doing everything possible within its capacities to assist you in compassionate action” toward immigrants. “We have and will continue to stand with Jesus’ mandate to ‘love your neighbor’ in the case of immigrants, documented or not, even as we provide assistance within the bounds of the law.”

The letter includes references to Synod immigration policies, and provides contacts in the LCMS Office of National Mission who may be able to help church workers and congregation members facing deportation.

The letter is available in English and Spanish on the webpage of the Office of the President.

Posted January 26, 2017