Leaders are calling for compassion.
Thirteen ethnic groups within the Southern Baptist community, representing 10,900 churches, have issued a joint statement urging the Trump administration to show greater compassion toward migrants fleeing persecution. The statement, signed by leaders from diverse groups such as Haitian, Hispanic, African American, Chinese, and Filipino communities, expresses concern over current immigration policies. The group emphasizes that these policies are creating fear, even among legal residents, who are afraid to attend church services or seek spiritual care due to the threat of immigration enforcement actions.
The leaders acknowledge the government’s responsibility to secure borders and manage immigration but stress that enforcement should be paired with compassion for those escaping violence and oppression. They also voiced concerns about policies that could force the deportation of migrants, particularly affecting Haitian and Hispanic communities. The statement draws attention to the growing fear and confusion among immigrants and refugees, with many refraining from attending church services or seeking spiritual help due to concerns that federal agents might enter places of worship.
The group calls on Southern Baptist churches to pray for the administration, asking for wisdom in handling the complexities of immigration. They advocate for alternative penalties, such as fines, in place of deportation, referencing Matthew 25:35-36 as a call for mercy and compassion. Additionally, the statement urges church leaders to support religious liberty, encourage due process, and provide clear guidance in the enforcement of immigration laws. It emphasizes the importance of supporting immigrants who face fear, uncertainty, and the possibility of returning to their home countries, where they may have experienced persecution and violence.
Brent Leatherwood, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, expressed his support for the ethnic leaders’ statement, acknowledging the need for comprehensive immigration reform while highlighting the fear caused by some policies among those legally present in the U.S. He urged the administration to offer more clarity to ensure that churches and ministries can continue their work without fear of interference. Leaders, including Keny Felix from the SBC National Haitian Fellowship, called for collaboration among Southern Baptist leaders to advocate for vulnerable families, emphasizing that providing care and compassion is central to fulfilling the biblical mandate.
In conclusion, the statement from these Southern Baptist ethnic leaders highlights the tension between national security efforts and the need for humanitarian compassion. It calls for a balanced approach that considers the well-being of immigrants and refugees, ensuring that churches can continue to offer spiritual care without fear of immigration enforcement actions. The leaders stress that showing mercy and support for the most vulnerable is at the heart of God’s message and is crucial for building strong, compassionate communities.