Politicization of a church

What happens when a church becomes politicized is revealed in the July 27 letter to the editor, “A moral obligation to asylum seekers,” signed by 18 Christian congregants who felt compelled to reveal the name of their church - First Presbyterian Church (FPC), of which I am also a member. Nothing substantive was gained by naming the church except to advance the immigration narrative currently nurtured by a self-acknowledged “politically progressive” pastor. The letter requires rebuttal.

The authors call on the U.S. to provide “hospitality and prompt decisions on each case,” citing scripture. So far, so good. Then they blame the U.S. for “separating families, creating deplorable housing conditions, failing to meet emotional and physical needs, and causing children to die.” The letter implies that current political leaders and border workers lack compassion and grace.

We must decrease the number of people illegally crossing into our country, thereby allowing our finite resources to be put to use caring for those already here. We need to enforce the law which grants asylum and refugee status only to those persecuted due to “race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.” Economic hardship does not qualify for asylum. All immigrants should have careful background checks, and physical border barriers need upgrading.

Until our church removes the locks from outside doors, allows homeless families access to the shower and kitchen, and permits unrecognized visitors to mingle with church school students, I will call out the hypocrisy.

Eric S. Johnson

Spokane