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As a follower of Christ, I believe that we are all compelled to treat every person, including immigrants, with love and compassion — it matters not if they have entered our country legally or illegally.
We live in a time when some feel threatened by the presence of those who are different from us, especially immigrants. Our government has labeled whole groups of immigrants as illegal and, without concern for families or individuals, has taken people off the street without due process. ICE agents have used racial profiling to determine whom to arrest and deport. Age and status make no difference.
In the Christian tradition, scripture teaches us “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner” ( Exodus 22:21). And Christ tells us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
As Christians we can never stand for the mistreatment or oppression of immigrants at the hands of the government. We, the followers of Christ, are compelled to stand in defense of our brothers and sisters, to be their advocates when they are threatened or under attack. To stand silently by and watch as they are mistreated and oppressed makes us as guilty as those who perpetrate these crimes against the immigrants in our land.
Rev. Gary Bagley
Pastor
Hammond Street Congregational Church, UCC
Bangor