SOUTH CAROLINA CHRISTIAN ACTION COUNCIL
A STATEMENT ON IMMIGRATION
The United States is a country of immigrants. Indeed, our systems, structures and very democracy all rely
on a strong foundation of immigrants striving for a more perfect Union.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…
We in the Christian community depend on our understanding of God’s will for human communities.
The human community envisioned by God is built on justice and mercy. Justice promotes and
protects the rights of all people with no stratification of privilege. Mercy acts to provide the
requirements of life to those who, because of native ability or circumstance, cannot provide for
themselves.
--South Carolina Christian Action Council Statement on Government
Paul reminds us that all Christians, regardless of citizenship, are sojourners, “for here we have no lasting
city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14)
…establish Justice…
Immigrants and newcomers possess all the rights and corresponding responsibilities recognized by the
Church. These do not derive from membership in a state or from immigration status, but from the inherent
dignity of every person.† Our understanding of scripture assures us that what confers rights is
personhood—that we are created in the image of God—not citizenship.
“The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as
yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:34) The Christian
confession of Jesus Christ as Lord transforms “strangers” into neighbors who are welcomed into our
communities.
…insure domestic Tranquility…
We are commanded to see the face of Christ in every person, especially the “stranger”—our new neighbors
represent Christ, whom we welcome joyfully. “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has
welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7)
The United States and South Carolina should establish immigration systems that provide legal avenues for
persons to enter the nation in a safe, orderly, timely and dignified manner, to obtain jobs and to reunite with
family members.†
…provide for the common defense…
Welcoming the stranger does not mean abdicating defense of our borders. We recognize the duty of the
sovereign state to protect and control its borders in the service of the common good of its citizens.
However, this is not an absolute right. Nations also have an obligation to the universal common good.
Economically powerful nations, such as the United States, have a higher obligation to serve the universal
common good. † From those to whom much is given, much shall be required.
The United States should make efforts to address global economic inequities through just trade practices,
economic development and debt relief. We should advance peacemaking efforts to end conflicts which
force persons to flee their homes, and employ a refugee and asylum system that protects asylum seekers,
refugees and other forced immigrants while offering them a haven from persecution. Immigrants should
never be blamed for the social ills of the nation from which they come. †
One of our greatest security assets is the witness of immigrants who are welcomed and feel at home here.
Their stories of welcome, justice, tranquility and liberty will be a greater vision of America than our military
presence in, or on the borders of, their former homes.
…promote the general Welfare…
Our advocacy must take into account the complexity of issues, the diversity of interests and the partial or
relative justice of laws at the same time that it counters appeals rooted in hostility, racism, prejudice,
indifference and simplistic solutions. We draw on the best of our nation’s traditions as a refuge and haven
for the persecuted and destitute.‡
…and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…
Government policies should not contribute to the separation of families or to human rights abuses. † Law is
established for the purpose of protecting human beings, not harming or excluding them from society.
We urge that immigration and refugee policies be measured against the standard of equitable sharing,
fairness and justice.
We urge the United States and South Carolina to establish immigration systems that provide legal avenues
for persons to enter the nation in a safe, orderly, timely and dignified manner, to obtain jobs and to reunite
with family members.
We urge that immigration policies be measured against the promises of America—justice, tranquility,
common defense, general welfare and the blessings of liberty—and we promote the on-going obligation to
grant these same promises to all current citizens.
…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
For I was a stranger, and you welcomed me. (Matthew 25:35)
Adopted by SCCAC Board of Directors, September 29, 2006
All Biblical citations from New Revised Standard Version
† Justice for Newcomers: A Catholic Call for Solidarity and Reform; Catholic Charities, 2005.
‡ A Message on Immigration; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 1998.
March 15, 2017 LINKS to Statements from Member Body’s National Organizations
These statements support the DREAM Act/DACA; Moral Immigration Reform; against Administration’s Travel Bans;
Welcoming Refugees; and etc.
African Methodist Episcopal Church
http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20170131/e2/9b/c3/37/c679bacacb3acc7e6ea85a4d/Episcopal_StatementCouncil_of_Bishops_re_Trump_Actions.pdf
Alliance of Baptists
http://allianceofbaptists.org/OurAlliance/statements
Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of SC
American Baptist http://abhms.org/ministries/healing-communities/immigration-refugees/
Christian Church (Disciples) https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/ 03/DisciplesRefugee-Alert-After-2nd-Refugee-and-Travel-Ban-Mar817.pdf
Christian Methodist Episcopal
b22798233c90#.i71ir6y1j
https://thinkprogress.org/faith-groups-country-immigrants-muslim-
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship http://www.patheos.com/blogs/cbf/2017/01/baptist-group-ministers-refugeesimmigrants-despite-order-barring-travel-u-s/
Alliance of Baptists/CBF/Southern Baptists https://baptistnews.com/article/baptists-weigh-in-on-muslim-travelban/#.WMl5DvkrKyI
Episcopal Church
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/document/dream-act
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Roman Catholic Church
http://www.sentinel.org/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=34&ArticleID=33130&TM=47885.38
http://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2017/01/30/responding-trumps-ban-top-catholic-bishops-pledgesolidarity-muslim
United Church of Christ
http://www.ucc.org/news_ucc_joins_ecumenical_effort_to_safeguard_immigrants_refugees_03032017
United Methodist Church, SC Hispanic/Latino Task Force
force-stand-up-against-racism/
https://www.umcsc.org/home/sc-hispaniclatino-task-
National Council of Churches https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/targeting-refugees-is-a-fools-errand/