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Christians equally committed to God's Word may reasonably arrive at different conclusions on specific aspects of these issues and their resolution. However, this much is certain: God, in His Word, consistently shows His loving concern for “the stranger in our midst” and directs His people to do the same. The Children of Israel were told, “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). God told Moses to tell the people, “When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:33-34). Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). We are reminded in Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
The challenges of illegal immigration are real and solutions must be found. While we accept our Christian responsibility to care for those in need, it is not the role of the church to specify particular civil legislation, either to its own constituency or to the government. We do, however, pray that God will grant wisdom and discernment to our nation's elected leaders as they endeavor to provide appropriate solutions to this very real dilemma.
Meanwhile, in order to fulfill our Christian obligation, we also request that the charitable act of providing assistance to undocumented aliens not otherwise engaged in illegal activity not be criminalized ipso facto. We pray that appropriate solutions may be found, so that our assistance to those in need can also include helping persons become legal residents and citizens of this land of freedom and opportunity in which God has so richly blessed us.
Sincerely, in Christ, Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Rev. Matthew Harrison, Executive Director LCMS World Relief/Human Care
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