I am part of a faith community that holds as one of its core values the worth of all persons. I am part of a faith tradition called to the restoration of all of creation into right and loving relationships. I am called as part of this faith community to love all people, and all of creation, and to strive to bring healing to the whole of that creation. A few days ago the First Presidency (A quorum consisting of the Prophet-President and two counselors, that preside over and prophetically guide, call, challenge the church…) released a statement regarding Immigration Issues in the United States. The statement starts out:
As an international community of faith, called to be faithful above all else “to Christ’s vision of the peaceable kingdom of God on earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b), we affirm that:
- All of life is sacred to God. God is concerned about the whole world and all its inhabitants.
- God calls the church to be in the forefront of organizations and movements that recognize the worth of people (Doctrine and Covenants 151:9).
- We stand in the shadow of the cross and the suffering of Jesus with Christians of all denominations. We are called to become aware of the “unnecessary suffering” of others and work to end it (Doctrine and Covenants 163:4).
- We are called to strive for a just and peaceful world in which people may achieve their full potential as human beings and children of God.
- God calls us to promote community where each person is welcomed; experiences belonging; finds a spiritual home; receives the ministry of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit; and lives in healthy relationships through the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the cause of Zion.
- The purpose of the church is to become “a sanctuary of Christ’s peace where people from all nations, ethnicities, and life circumstances can be gathered into a spiritual home without dividing walls, as a fulfillment of the vision for which Jesus Christ sacrificed his life” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:8c).
Statement on Immigration Issues in the United States, First Presidency, Community of Christ, July 2007
I am glad to see our leadership taking the time to reflect upon these issues and upon the call and mission of the church, I now hope that as a called people we will embrace our calling and truly work toward the restoration of all of creation, and that day when people of all faiths, of all lands, are able to live in peace and harmony and recognize the worth of all people. The day when we all respect and honour and take care of all of creation rather than exploit the world and the people of the world.
To read the full statement go to:
http://www.CofChrist.org/peacejustice/issues/immigration.asp
Peace be with you,
— Lyle II
July 15th, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
Lyle,
As someone who works with a church composed of immigrant Brazilians, I deeply appreciate the position of the Community of Christ. This statement is fully in sync with what I understand of the denomination’s Scriptures and general outlook.