Modern communications technology is a miraculous wonder, bringing benefits to all of us. But the downside is just as terrible as the technology is miraculous—the dissemination of misinformation. The uproar over the recent National Association of Evangelicals Immigration Resolution is a perfect example of such misinformation.

This resolution on immigration is important to the IPHC. With one-third of our churches made up of immigrants from more than ten ethnic groups spread across all twenty-nine conferences in the USA, it is important that we adhere to our traditional biblical values of human dignity, hospitality, and ministry to all people.

Recent critics have incorrectly reported that the NAE stance on immigration is a change from previous resolutions and now calls for “amnesty for all illegal aliens.” Both reports are false.

The NAE stance on immigration has been a work in progress since the Human Rights Resolution in 1956. In that document, NAE said:

“We believe that those in authority, political, social and particularly evangelistic Christian groups have a moral responsibility to work effectively and openly for the creation of that cultus of life which will provide equal rights and opportunities for every individual. “

The position of NAE on U.S. immigration was further clarified in the Immigration Resolution of 1995:

“Therefore, we pledge to eliminate the spirit of racism in any of our responses. While we recognize the right of nations to regulate their borders, we believe this responsibility should be exercised with a concern for the entire human family in a spirit of generosity and compassion. (Deut. 10:19, Leviticus 19:34)

Furthermore, we acknowledge that immigrants and refugees contribute much to the continuing strength and vitality of local communities and our country by their commitment to work, education, and the family.

We call upon our government, therefore, to maintain reasonable and just admissions policies for refugees and immigrants. As evangelicals responsible to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:39), we are called to show personal and corporate hospitality to those who seek a new life in our nation.”

Again in 2006, the NAE stand on immigration was further refined by the inclusion of the following statement:

“Furthermore, we acknowledge that immigrants and refugees contribute much to the continuing strength and vitality of local communities and our country by their commitment to work, education, and the family.

We call upon our government, therefore, to maintain reasonable and just admissions policies for refugees and immigrants. As evangelicals responsible to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), we are called to show personal and corporate hospitality to those who seek a new life in our nation.”

The document which is currently the object of much misunderstanding and unfounded criticism is the Immigration Resolution of 2009, which enlarges previous resolutions on the issue by adding sections on Biblical Foundations, National Realities and Call to Action. As you can see from the statement below, taken from the Call to Action, there is no call for unconditional clemency or amnesty for undocumented aliens.

“Motivated by the desire to offer a constructive word for the country?s complicated immigration situation and guided by the Scripture, the National Association of Evangelicals calls for the reform of the immigration system. We believe that national immigration policy should be considerate of immigrants who are already here and who may arrive in the future and that its measures should promote national security and the general welfare in appropriate ways. Building upon biblical revelation concerning the migration of people and the values of justice and compassion championed in For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic Responsibility, we urge:

* That immigrants be treated with respect and mercy by churches. Exemplary treatment of immigrants by Christians can serve as the moral basis to call for government attitudes and legislation to reflect the same virtues.
* That the government develop structures and mechanisms that safeguard and monitor the national borders with efficiency and respect for human dignity.
* That the government establish more functional legal mechanisms for the annual entry of a reasonable number of immigrant workers and families.
* That the government recognize the central importance of the family in society by reconsidering the number and categories of visas available for family reunification, by dedicating more resources to reducing the backlog of cases in process, and by reevaluating the impact of deportation on families.
* That the government establish a sound, equitable process toward earned legal status for currently undocumented immigrants, who desire to embrace the responsibilities and privileges that accompany citizenship.
* That the government legislate fair labor and civil laws for all residing within the United States that reflect the best of this country?s heritage.
* That immigration enforcement be conducted in ways that recognize the importance of due process of law, the sanctity of the human person, and the incomparable value of family.”

The Immigration Resolution of 2009 is a statement based upon biblical truth and modern political realities. It is a beautiful paradigm that balances the best of both worlds. It is important to the members and ministers of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. That is why the IPHC Council of Bishops adopted it in session on Wednesday, October 14, 2009.

Dr. Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr., Presiding Bishop
International Pentecostal Holiness Church

You may read the entire resolution at http://www.nae.net/resolutions/347-immigration-2009. You may review all previous NAE resolutions at http://www.nae.net/government-affairs/policy-resolutions.