What Can We Do?

We never catch a glimpse of the terrain. But when Jesus Christ appears after his resurrection we catch a feel of the climate towards which we are all migrating.

Frequently church members and faith leaders ask about immigration, our broken systems, our confusion and conflict, the collision of our core Christian values with legislation, and the undeserved pain inflicted on so many immigrants and their families: “What can we do?”

We can focus on the crosses: those punctuating the desert landscape and those which arise in each act of hatred directed against children of God.

We can resolve to stand against the slow, persistent legislative agenda of racism and worker oppression and relocation promoted by groups like the Center for Immigration Studies, the Immigration Reform Law Institute, and FAIR with prayer and united action.

We can decry a law like SB 1070 which states “the intent of this act is to make attrition through enforcement the public policy of all state and local government agencies in Arizona.” “Attrition through enforcement” - making life so intolerable that people migrate again for safety.

We can ask ourselves with considerable hindsight that might teach us something about our time “What could churches in the southeast US in 1831 have done as five nations of indigenous peoples were marched west in the trail of tears?” Or “What could churches in Nazi Germany in 1941 have done?”

We know this terrain. But this is not our final home. We’re all passing through, together. And we’ve received a feel of life beyond the crosses.

Evil and brutality will be overwhelmed by the fragrance of the power of Love. Solid structures which seem impenetrable will be permeable and filled by the gentle breath of Peace. Fear will be overcome by the brightness of Joy. Anxious, uncertain journeyers will be met by warm Companionship that feeds their souls.

If we stake our lives on that climate: hope, promise, life - what we can do.

I join two very dedicated, learned, and experienced UCC colleagues whose work with immigration issues and migrants’ lives is humbling. I hope to help us all recall, as Christian sojourners, that which will be.