We’ve witnessed a vast array of immigration policies, and differing opinions on those policies, for years. Both here in the US and in other countries around the world, those seeking safety, protection, and a place to work and live with their families are often turned away, imprisoned, and treated as less than human.

But, by and large, Christian denominations have taken a Christ-like, welcoming, compassionate view of immigrants and their suffering. Welcoming the stranger was, after all, a part of Jesus’ big dream.

The United Methodist Church’s revised Social Principles, adopted at this year’s General Conference, included the affirmation of the dignity of migrants and opposition to laws and policies that punish the displaced. The US Council of Catholic Bishops has updated policies that incorporate the need to welcome the refugee at US borders with Jesus-led compassion. And the United Church of Christ offers a guide to becoming an immigrant-welcoming church.

These are just a few examples of major Christian denominations that confirm that, as followers of Christ, we are guided to treat the suffering with compassion and respect.  Other non-Christian religions, and humanitarian organizations, have similar policies of hospitality toward the stranger.

That being said, we know that immigration can be a hot-button topic. Conversations, including those around the dinner table, can become heated. Sometimes relationships are permanently ruptured. We’ve seen vast differences in how people think of immigrants – their images of displaced people and families often formed by outside sources, media, or politics. Of course, all countries need immigration policies.

So, how do we truly welcome the stranger?

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

I attend the United Church of Christ but I love these words, familiar to Methodists – “Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors”.

How do we show that our doors, hearts and minds are really and truly open to all?

Open Hearts We’ve all heard of the busloads of people being driven from border states, promised work and housing, and then simply dumped in cities and towns across the US, parents hopeless, children hurt and confused.

But churches and individual people in states across the country have welcomed them.  They’ve taken them into their homes, fed them, given the families shelter, and found the parents’ jobs. When immigrants were left near their home outside of Chicago, my cousin and her family did just that. In opening their hearts to people who’d been mistreated, even those that didn’t speak their language, they grew to know and love them.

Open Minds We’re aware of the fearmongering about immigrants committing crimes and stealing jobs. But the reality is that US born citizens commit crimes at a much higher rate than immigrants. The jobs that immigrants are granted are usually those that most of us aren’t willing to do. Immigrants also face poverty and struggles that we as natural born citizens of the United States will never know. Yet the vast majority are simply looking for better lives for their families and loved ones.

We all share a responsibility to honestly teach those who fear others about those who are feared.  Growing up, my mother always reminded me to see Christ in everyone, especially the poor, the displaced, and the suffering. I believe this is an essential component to “dreaming like Jesus.”

We may not be able to change minds, but we can surely work to open them.

Open Doors Through my husband’s non-profit, he’s visited immigrant shelters in Tijuana. One of those shelters houses LGBTQ young people who’ve traveled from as far away as Russia, hoping to be granted asylum in the United States. Since part of our local church’s mission is to be carbon-friendly, we don’t have our own building. But we’ve been able to figuratively “open our doors” to this shelter by providing them periodically with much-needed supplies.

Churches can also connect to the newly arrived by hosting ESL classes, offering fee community meals, or providing resources for job training.

Remember that many of those from other countries were active in their original churches. They may be looking for a new church home where they’ll feel welcome and needed.

Who Reaps the Benefits?

It’s not just the stranger who reaps the benefits of Christian hospitality. When we truly “dream like Jesus” our churches can grow, become more vibrant, experience different cultures, and gain loving, active members.

Welcoming the stranger is an integral component of a successful Christian ministry.  To learn more, please join Rebekah for an empowering free seminar, “How Christian Ministries are Achieving Success: An Introduction to Creating a Culture of Renewal®.

This blog represents a guest post and was written by Staff Member, Ann Miller.

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