Torch, Spring/Summer 2012

O n one level, the question of how a Christian ought to respond to immigration is easy: Scripture is replete with commands to love, welcome, and treat immigrants justly. The Bible also makes clear, though, that Christians are to submit to the governing authorities, which makes the question of how to respond to illegal immigration much more ethically complex. While Micah 6:8 commands us “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,” many believers feel a tension between “doing justice” (following and enforcing the law), and “loving mercy” (giving a break to those who have violated the law). As more and more immigrants — including some without legal status — join local churches, we are forced to wrestle with this difficult question of how we ought to respond to illegal immigration. A Call to Love Most immigrants in the United States are here lawfully, either as naturalized U.S. citizens or as Lawful Permanent Residents, so we certainly cannot dismiss the plethora of Where Justice and Mercy Meet by Matthew Soerens, M.S. Illegal immigration exposes a tension for Christians who wish to both act justly and love mercy. 8 TORCH | Spring-Summer 2012 MAARTJEVAN CASPEL | ISTOCKPHOTO AND CARRIE SAVAGE | CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY