Statement on Immigration Issues of Our Day 

The leaders of the MidSouth District (District Superintendent and the District Advisory Board) affirm our support for the position, posture, and biblical understanding toward the immigration issues of our day as expressed by the Board of General Superintendents. The Church of the Nazarene has consistently called all of our people to show compassion for immigrants and refugees. 

In addition to the statement that follows, we also want to specifically call our people to the perspective that welcoming the immigrant is more than a policy. It is a person-centered practice of all followers of Christ. It is one of the beautiful ways our faith is practiced. In other words, every immigrant has a name, a family, and a life of value.

We again confirm our alignment with the Global Church of the Nazarene as expressed by the Board of General Superintendents.

The significant global immigration and the divisive political debate in many nations compel the Board of General Superintendents to speak clearly and biblically to this challenging topic, inviting all Nazarenes to express Christian love to immigrants who live among us:

The Hebrew word gēr and the Greek word xenos can be defined as “immigrant.”

“If an immigrant dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. The immigrant who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:33–34, NKJV). Our Lord quoted, “Love him as yourself,” as part of the Greatest Commandment! 

Jesus said: “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was an immigrant and you invited me in” (Matthew 25:35, NIV). 

“Do not forget to show hospitality to immigrants, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels” (Hebrews 13:2, NIV). 

While we recognize the complexity of immigration laws in various nations, the Board of General Superintendents calls on Nazarenes around the world:

• To treat immigrants with love, respect, and mercy. 
• To participate sacrificially in local, national, and global compassionate ministry responses to assist refugees and immigrants.
• To encourage their respective governments to approve equitable laws that will allow for family reunification, legal work permits for productive immigrants in the workforce, and pathways for undocumented immigrants to be able to obtain authorized immigrant status.
• To follow the clear biblical mandate to love, welcome, assist, evangelize, and disciple the immigrants near us.

— Board of General Superintendents