While the Bible does not give a specific prescription for a U.S. immigration policy - it offers principles to guide us as we consider the immigration policy dilemma and seek to influence policy in a way that reflects God's love, compassion and justice.
Grand Rapids, MI (PRWEB) February 12, 2014
Cornerstone University will host a day-long event to bring awareness to immigration reform and the importance of taking action from a biblical perspective.
Jenny Yang, co-author of “Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate,” will be the featured speaker Feb. 12 on campus to kick-off the event.
Yang, director of advocacy and policy for the Refugee and Immigration Program at World Relief, will break down the debate and what it means to individuals and the church.
“Biblically, Jesus commands us to care for the stranger and alien,” said Chip Huber, dean of student engagement, who organized the event. “Immigration reform is right on the top of the political agenda right now. We don’t just want our students to be aware of what the issue is, but be able to do something about it.”
Many Christians are left conflicted about the issue, unsure of what our faith requires of us on this pressing issue, Yang explains in her book.
Artist Pamela Alderman, who was featured in ArtPrize, will display her watercolor series “Courage Ablaze” at 4 p.m. in the Corum.
Along with the artwork, a Congolese family, known as the Les Clay musical group will share their story of immigration through music.
“We have this incredible opportunity as followers of Christ to welcome people who are strangers in our community,” said Huber. “We can provide physical help and educational help. And we also have this opportunity to welcome them into the family of God.”
The day will end with a film at 7 p.m. in the Hansen Athletic Center, ”The Dream is Now,” depicting the challenges of immigration within the local community. Daniel Watz with G-92, an organization within World Relief, will lead a conversation that invites students to respond through prayer and political advocacy.
After the film, Bethany Christian Services will share stories of refugee families it has aided in immigration locally and will provide students an opportunity to get involved in Bethany’s mentoring program for refugee families.
Cornerstone President Joe Stowell recently spoke out on immigration in an opinion piece on MLive. It can be viewed at http://www.mlive.com/opinion/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2014/02/now_is_the_time_for_immigratio.html