This morning, I led a forum on immigration issues on the TX/MX and CA/MX borders, as well as the issues related to immigration that reach all the way to our Bay Area communities. There were a variety of opinions among my congregation, most of which I could have guessed ahead of time, and I had to hear real, live human beings call other real, live human beings "illegals." Barf. Overall, though, people thought it was a worthwhile discussion, and there was definitely some new information made available to some people who didn't know how much they didn't know. Isn't education awesome? :)
If you're wondering what the ELCA has to say about issues surrounding immigration, read Toward Compassionate, Just, and Wise Immigration Reform (2009) and Immigration (1998), both super good documents produced by our church body. And you can also go to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and check out all the rad resources available there. If you're not Lutheran, the good people of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition can help you out.
When the poor ones, who have nothing, still are giving;
when the thirsty pass the cup, water to share;
when the wounded offer others strength and healing;
we see God, here by our side, walking our way.
When compassion gives the suffering consolation;
when expecting brings to birth hope that was lost;
when we choose love, not the hatred all around us;
we see God, here by our side, walking our way.
When our spirits, like a chalice, brim with gladness;
when our voices, full and clear, sing out the truth;
when our longings, free from envy, seek to humble;
we see God, here by our side, walking our way.
When the goodness poured from heaven fills our dwellings;
when the nations work to change war into peace;
when the stranger is accepted as our neighbor;
we see God, here by our side, walking our way.
ELW #725
José Antonio Olivar, Miguel Manzano
translated by Martin A. Seltz