Recently there has been plenty of news about immigrant children being taken from their parents at the United States’ southern border. Some have tried to justify this vile behavior by quoting the Bible (and St. Paul).

            Without a doubt, immigration is an emotional issue. What is being done these days can be challenged as inhumane and as a poor example of what this country is all about. Calling it ‘deterrence’ is questionable and, even if that were true, it is at an unacceptable cost to humanity.

            Since I am a pastor in a major branch of Christianity, I must write that the Jesus I have come to know and love should not be ‘used’ to justify this behavior. Jesus did not say that we should destroy families. Instead he spoke out for welcoming the stranger. He often called for compassion. And he definitely took the side of the poor, the weak, and the disenfranchised!

            Throughout the centuries people have used God, religion, or particular Bible verses (out of context) to prop up incredibly ungodly attitudes and actions. This is one of those times when we need to speak out and to proclaim that we must not treat these families in this way in the name of our Lord.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,

 a stranger and you welcomed me,”

Matthew 25:35