I’m an evangelical pastor. Politics drown out the truth about our views on immigrants | Opinion

In the midst of political division, a glimmer of hope shines on the horizon — a bipartisan effort aimed at addressing the challenges at our southern border. Three U.S. senators — Oklahoma Republican James Lankford, Connecticut Democrat Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Kyrsten Sinema — have been leading key conversations with members of Congress this week to find reasonable and achievable solutions.

Our nation’s immigration system is undoubtedly in need of reform, and the growing challenges facing asylum-seekers and the Border Patrol alike have been a source of concern for many Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Lankford, Murphy, Sinema and others are taking courageous steps forward by working across party lines to develop practical solutions.

These proposals aim to maintain national security as well as increase opportunities for deserving immigrants and those seeking asylum. Supporting efforts to strengthen border security, streamline immigration processes and welcome needed workers for our economy gives us all an opportunity to transcend political divides and create lasting change.

As an evangelical pastor, I believe that the Christian gospel calls us to welcome the stranger (Leviticus 19:33-34), extend hospitality to those in need (Hebrews 13:2) and seek justice for the marginalized (Isaiah 1:17). Regardless of what the motivations might be, any move by Congress to pass legislation that increases the opportunities for our immigrant neighbors to flourish will find itself mapping onto the ways of Jesus and his kingdom.

I find inspiration in witnessing elected officials bridge partisan gaps to tackle complex issues surrounding immigration. I am also hopeful that these bipartisan conversations might result in legislation that just so happens to align with the prevailing ethics of the Christian faith — including compassion, mercy, justice and the rule of law — while also resonating with the immigrant spirit that birthed the American experiment. And as important as the latter may be, it is the former that leads me to pen these words.

Depending on your view of evangelicals, you may find my words a bit of an anomaly. Before you write me off as an outlier, you should know that I am not a sample size of one. The reasonable voices of the majority of evangelical Christians are being drowned out by political messages of fear from a vocal minority. Research shows that 77% of evangelical Christians — and 82% of evangelicals who attend worship services weekly — want Congress to work on bipartisan solutions that would provide undocumented immigrants an earned pathway to legal status or citizenship. Don’t let characterizations by cultural commentators cloud the facts. More and more Americans and evangelical Christians want to see meaningful, bipartisan solutions for our migrant neighbors.

Regardless of your motivation, urge our elected officials to join this bipartisan effort. Doing so demonstrates that we prioritize pragmatic solutions over political posturing, and cooperation that leads to progress. Whether it is Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall in Kansas, or Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt on the Missouri side, or your U.S. representatives, reach out to them and let them know that you represent the voice of the majority of Americans who want to see Congress work toward a bipartisan solution to our immigration challenges.

Now, more than ever, we must resist polarization on immigration and other complex challenges our nation faces. Our nation is facing complex challenges that demand nuanced, bipartisan solutions. Key members of Congress are working toward this end. It is now incumbent upon us to support and amplify their efforts.

This story was originally published January 18, 2024 at 6:32 AM.