Clarity
An important part of my responsibility as a pastor is to crystalize the Christian faith, especially when the definition of what it means be follower of Christ can get tangled in knots easily. The first step might be knowing some important information about our immigration system. Everyone I’ve met prefers immigrants to be here lawfully. This is accomplished in several different ways… either by filing a worker permit (form I-765) or filing an application for permanent residence (form I-485) or an application for naturalization (form N-400) or registering for refugee status (form I-590) or filing the application to seek asylum (form I-589). There are many legal pathways, all of them are complex, confusing, and take time. I sometimes get confused when filing my taxes, and English is my first language.
Now imagine… the same government responsible for helping you sort through the legal process is the same government that will detain you and deport you if you do not already have proper documentation. A hostile government will work counterproductively, forcing people further underground. We have created a winless situation for both the migrants and our country. Our immigration failures are not the fault of either political party, the system has been broken for decades. Did you know, working at the quickest speed, it takes around 3 years to go through the immigration process properly. Assuming you already know which form, and how to file it, it will also cost at least $700. Where do you go to learn the information you need when the government is not an option?
It would be foolish to advocate for lawlessness. I believe the Christ-centered response is grace. Especially as Lutherpalians, I know we are familiar with unconditional love. We are called to love others as God loves us. I know it is complex, but the moral line is crossed when we strip away human dignity. Everyone, by virtue of their existence, is worthy, has value, and is entitled to basic respect. The moral failing revealed in this moment of detaining and mistreating immigrants in our communities cannot go unaddressed. Regardless of status, these are fellow siblings in Christ and precious children of God. Our faith compels us to stand where Jesus stands—with those who have been excluded, erased, or diminished.
Along with many faith leaders across Florida, I have attended several prayer vigils that have taken place outside the cruelly nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Though clergy is denied access inside the facility, I have heard personal testimony of detainees not receiving adequate legal representation, having their medical needs neglected, receiving spoiled food, and enduring tormenting changes in temperature. The vast majority of detainees hold no criminal record, but even if they did, this is not how we treat fellow humans. History has taught us just how cruel we can be to one another when no one is watching. This is why our presence outside the detention facility is so important. You’re welcome to join me as we pray together.
The Gospel insists that we treat our neighbors with love and that our public life be shaped by justice, mercy, and a commitment to the common good. We are living through a time when vulnerable communities are being scapegoated and attacked. Immigrants are vilified. Now is the time that we must remain insistent on love. The kind of love that God is interested in breaks down barriers, confronts hatred, and transforms hearts. Love insists on the dignity of every human being. Love insists on justice for the marginalized and oppressed. Love insists that we listen, speak, and act with respect, even in disagreement. We cannot afford to confuse the Gospel with political power, especially power that privileges some people over others based on race, religion, or birthplace.
Our Christian faith summons us to follow Jesus into solidarity with those who suffer. Now is the time to be bold, not to cower. Let us insist on LOVE—in our words, our actions, and our public witness. Only together, can we stand against cruelty and bring about God-inspired change.
With Love,
Pastor Lucas McSurley
