President Trump’s flurry of executive orders has created quite a stir. Some greeted the new rules with elation; others, with consternation. Perhaps none were more controversial than those pertaining to immigration, i.e., building a wall along the Mexico border and a 90-day ban on travel from seven Muslim-majority countries.
Southern Baptists, mirroring the rest of the nation, differ on the proper balance between security and compassion when it comes to the nation’s immigration policy. The debate we face is, can we secure our borders, while at the same time, honor our history of being a land of immigrants and obey the biblical injunction to welcome the stranger? How can we move to alleviate acts of terrorism, yet maintain an avenue for the vast majority of immigrants who only want to flee war or escape oppression, find gainful employment, and contribute to our society?
Regarding immigration, SBC Executive Committee President Frank Page contends, “Disagreements” about government policies “surely will” continue, “but the need for ministry, outreach and witness will continue to be at the forefront of who we are.”
Southern Baptists spoke to immigration in a 2011 resolution, noting “our Lord Jesus Christ lived His childhood years as an immigrant and refugee” and highlighting scripture’s admonitions to “show compassion and justice for the sojourner and alien among us.” And, as recently as 2016, they spoke again on the issue, encouraging all Southern Baptists to minister care, compassion and the gospel to refugees, while urging our governing authorities to “implement the strictest security measures possible in the refugee screening and selection process, guarding against anyone intent on doing harm.”
While halted by a judge for the moment, the executive order still stands as a reminder to pray for persecuted Christians around the globe. Six of the seven countries temporarily banned are among the top 10 nations where persecution of believers is ranked “extreme” and “severe,” with Libya ranked 11th, according to Open Doors’ World Watch List. Among countries under the travel ban, Somalia leads in persecution, second only to North Korea. Others on Open Doors’ list — but not included in the travel ban — are Afghanistan, Pakistan and Eritrea.
Though not specifically named in the executive order, the countries barred from entry are said to have been drawn from 2015 legislation citing nations of particular concern. However, if infiltration of terrorists is our concern, glaringly absent are Saudi Arabia, home to most of the hijackers on 9/11, and Afghanistan, where Osama bin Laden hid out, as some have noted.
But what about the immigrants who have been properly vetted and have reached our shores? How should we, as Americans and as Christians, receive them?
Unfortunately, according to a recent LifeWay Research study, few evangelicals say their faith directly shapes their views on immigration. When asked which factor most influenced their beliefs, about one in 10 (12 percent) chose the Bible, and only 2 percent named their church. As one might guess, they seemed more influenced by media.
LifeWay Research also found that many churches don’t talk about immigration. Sadly, two-thirds of evangelicals (68 percent) said their church had never encouraged them to reach out to immigrants. Meanwhile, just as many said they’d value hearing a sermon on the matter.
Neville Callam, a Jamaican who leads the Baptist World Alliance, in a recent blog observes that in both Old and New Testaments, one finds a focus on receiving strangers gladly.
“In Scripture, the stories calling us to loving embrace of the stranger are complemented by specific teachings concerning the importance of welcoming strangers,” he writes. “Deuteronomy 10:19 commands, ‘You are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.’ Influenced perhaps by the story in Genesis 18 (of Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality toward three men), the author of the Book of Hebrews urges Christians not to forget to ‘entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it’ (13:2).”
Callam continues, “Jesus’ parable of the last judgment heaps praise on those to whom the following words can be addressed, ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’ (Matthew 25:35).”
Humanitarian acts often may provide opportunities to share the gospel with those whom we might not be able to reach otherwise. Whatever happens in the White House, we should continue to see to it that the immigrants among us feel welcomed. Our churches must press on with ministry and missions to share the love of Christ with the stranger, even in dangerous times.
Todd Deaton