A recent Lifeway Examine leer unearths a increasing consensus amongst Christians: the United States has a just duty to welcome refugees. Seventy percent of evangelicals agree that accepting refugees is now not gorgeous a political reveal however an moral one. Moreover, 73% deem Christians have an obligation to cherish displaced folks.
The see highlights a broader evangelical stance on immigration. Whereas 76% toughen immigration guidelines that combines border safety with a path to citizenship, 55% agree that Christians must support immigrants even in the occasion that they are in the nation illegally. These findings mediate a mix of compassion and pain for neutral processes.
One other key takeaway is that 80% of evangelicals price sermons that educate biblical principles on immigration. Despite this, handiest 28% tell they have heard immigration discussed in their church in a potential that encouraged outreach to immigrants in their neighborhood. This gap suggests religion leaders have an alternative to have interaction congregations in deeper conversations about immigration by plot of a biblical lens.
Matthew Soerens, VP of Advocacy and Coverage at World Relief, voiced pain over most up-to-the-minute coverage shifts affecting refugee resettlement.
“Right here’s a just job that has been in plot for a protracted time,” Soerens told RELEVANT. “Refugees are vetted in a international nation and near in the U.S. by plot of a structured program. The folk we work with have fled persecution—steadily for their religion—and were granted perfect entry.”
The glory between refugees and unlawful immigrants is steadily blurred in broader immigration conversations. Refugees flit persecution and are granted resettlement by plot of a just job established by Congress. Within the period in-between, discussions on border safety and citizenship pathways proceed to shape Christian perspectives, with many supporting bipartisan reforms.
“The Bible is determined about our duty to cherish the stranger,” Soerens said, referencing Ezekiel 22:30.