ECC Statement on Immigration: February 2025

We at Englewood Christian Church strive to make our welcome wide and to follow the teachings of Scripture to honor the image of God in all people, to welcome all people, to love all people, and to provide compassion to all people. Immigrants, refugees, and strangers are welcome and valued in our faith community. We are committed to working to meet needs, advocating for justice, and helping to make the world a better place for all. 

When we examine sacred text, we find overwhelming evidence that God's love is global and not nationalistic.  

In Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites to love the stranger because they were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:19) He also emphasized that anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow shall be cursed. (Deuteronomy 27:19) 

The prophet Zechariah proclaims the heart of God when he writes, “...show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor...” (Zechariah 7:9-10) 

After being born in Bethlehem, Jesus and his parents became refugees who fled to a different country after an angel warned Joseph that they would be in danger if they stayed in Nazareth. As an adult, Jesus taught, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.... truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:35 & 40) 

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome and stressed, “Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” (Romans 12:13)  

The writer of Hebrews reminds readers, “...Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it...” (Hebrews 13:2) 

We stand in solidarity with our neighbors who have worked hard to contribute to the health, success, economy, and neighborhoods of this valley for generations. We see their fear and concern for their own well-being and that of their loved ones. Caring for them and helping to ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect is part of our call as followers of Jesus. 

We agree with the General Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who recently wrote in a letter announcing the decision of our denomination to join a multi-faith legal action against recent national political policies that undermine these calls of scripture, “We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.  As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.”