In
recent weeks, we have watched with horror at the implementation of
policies from the Department of Justice regarding the treatment of
people migrating to the United States.
In early May, Attorney General Jeff
Sessions announced a “zero tolerance” policy resulting in de facto
family separation: children are immediately removed from their parents
as they are apprehended after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. And three
days ago, the Attorney General also announced a policy reversing
protections for asylum seekers fleeing domestic abuse and gang violence.
Neither threat of violence is now considered grounds for asylum.
Furthermore — and in response to the
ardent opposition from a wide array of faith communities — the officials
responsible for these policies have recently used Christian scripture
to justify their actions.
To argue that these policies are
consistent with Christian teaching is unsound, a flawed interpretation,
and a shocking violation of the spirit of the Gospel.
Administration officials have used the
Christian text of Paul’s Letter to the Romans — his first and weightiest
epistle — to justify their actions. The ethical teachings of Romans
12-16 describe that consecrated Christian life requires the duties of
love and hospitality. The commandment in Chapter 13 to “be subject to
the governing authorities” is bracketed by preceding and following
passages containing the command to “love.”
Earlier verses detail what love looks like:
Let love be genuine, hate what is evil,
hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo
one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit,
serve the Lord…extend hospitality to strangers. (Romans 12: 9-11, 13 NRSV, emphasis added)
Subsequent verses further clarify the centrality of love and its comprehensive nature, stating that all the commandment[s] are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13: 9-10 NRSV, emphasis added)
We are reminded by Paul that love is the way.
Jesus is our way, our truth, our life. The
Christ we follow would have no part in ripping children from their
mothers’ arms or shunning those fleeing violence. It is unimaginable
that faith leaders even have to say that these policies are antithetical
to the teachings of Christ.
Christian sacred texts should never be used to justify policies that oppress or harm children and families.
Those using the Bible to justify these horrific policies, should also read the prophet Isaiah:
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to
those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their
rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making
widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. (Isaiah 10: 1-3 NIV)
The Trump Administration implemented these
policies. They have the power to stop these horrific actions. Join me
in calling on the Department of Justice, and especially on our fellow
United Methodist, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, to immediately reverse
these decisions.
U.S. Department of Justice
Phone: 202-353-1555
Twitter: @TheJusticeDept
Facebook: facebook.com/DOJ
Peace,
Susan Henry-Crowe
