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At the March Congregation Council Meeting, the Council produced the first draft of a Statement of Immigrants' Rights. This statement was seen as the first step in response to the immigration crisis facing our nation. On Sunday, May 4, the Council hosted a Congregation Forum inviting input and feedback on the statement from the congregation. Based on the positive response from the congregation, the Council approved the statement at its May 13 meeting. Here is the approved statement:

Statement of Immigrants’ Rights

As a community of faith, Central Lutheran Church believes that all people are created in the image of God and have inherent dignity and worth. As disciples of Christ, and following his example, we are called to love our neighbors. We live this out by welcoming the stranger, standing in solidarity with, supporting, and protecting those who are marginalized, oppressed, or in need. This includes immigrants who seek refuge, safety, and opportunity. Thus, we affirm:

  • Immigrants, regardless of their status or nationality, are beloved children of God and deserve to be treated with justice and compassion.
  • Every person has the right to live with dignity, to seek a better life, and be treated fairly in society.
  • Immigrants’ rights to family unity, access to education, and a fair legal process should be  protected.
  • Policies that dehumanize or discriminate against immigrants should be opposed.

 As people of God, we will strive to reflect God’s love by working towards a society where all people regardless of origins can flourish with equality and respect.

At the May 4 Congregation Forum, there were two specific questions: 1) What might our next step be in supporting immigrants? and 2) What does it means that our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is a "Sanctuary Denomination?" Regarding the first question, please see the Events post for the next Congregation Forum scheduled for June 29. And regarding the second question, please see the Sanctuary Denomination News post.