Illinois ELCA Bishops Pastoral Message on Executive Orders Mensaje pastoral de los obispos de la ELCA de Illinois sobre las órdenes ejecutivas
En español
The Gospel according to Luke 4:
16When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
In churches across Illinois, this gospel will be read on Sunday, January 26. It is a moment in which Jesus reads the words of the prophet Isaiah as the guiding light, the mission, for his work on earth.
It is also the mission of his church.
Called by Christ’s mission and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we call on followers of Christ consider these words as we walk with and love our neighbors in these – and any other – times. The New Testament and the Hebrew Scriptures guide us through exhortations to welcome the stranger and the alien, to show hospitality to others, and to reach beyond our comforts to care for and love our neighbors.
Through scripture, our faith teaches us that every human being is created in the image of God. That image transcends nations and boundaries, and calls us to see the dignity and value inherent in each of us. That image binds us together in a common humanity and concern for one another.
It is out of this faith commitment that we are concerned with immigration policies and the means by which they are enforced.
We call for an immigration policy and its enforcement that shows care for the neighbor. We call for an immigration policy and its enforcement that respects the dignity and humanity of all. We call for an immigration policy that reflects the values of justice and mercy and care for our common humanity. We call for an immigration policy and its enforcement that does not exploit vulnerable people or dehumanize the stranger or alien in our midst.
We call for an immigration policy and its enforcement that respects and does not target places of worship, education, and medical care, traditionally sites where basic human needs are met. We call for an immigration policy and its enforcement that honors those in law enforcement who strive to live out their vocation faithfully.
As a church, the ELCA will continue to advocate for laws and policies that show respect and care for our common humanity. This includes fair, equitable, and just immigration laws that provide paths to citizenship and entry; opportunities for asylum and refuge; and concern for the dignity and safety of all.
In holy care for all beloved humanity who bear the image of God,
The Rev. Stacie Fidlar, Bishop, Northern Illinois Synod – ELCA
The Rev. Yehiel Curry, Bishop, Metro Chicago Synod – ELCA
The Rev. Greg Busboom, Bishop, Central/Southern Illinois Synod – ELCA
