Party vs Church - From a pastor to other pastors and leaders
Let me preface this text with this crucial declaration: I am
not a republican! I am not a democrat! I am an independent voter! This week,
for instance, I voted for candidates in both parties and even one independent
candidate. I choose to vote for candidates accordingly to the issues at hand
and the candidate story, background and character – not party affiliation! About
party affiliation/support I have a different text that you may read another
time. Today, above anything else, my main issue regarding government is
immigration reform. As a pastor, friend and leader of churches where the
majority of members are immigrants in an illegal situation, I cannot emphasize
enough how crucial that is for them and, for consequence, to me! I am a US
citizen so I am not directly affect by the problems that they have to deal
every day but their problems, their suffering, their anguish is absolutely
evident and I cannot afford, as a Christian, not to suffer with them – and
fight with them for a better tomorrow!
For those celebrating last night huge
win by the Republican Party (assuming control of Senate and House) let me just
remind you, as they say here, "you can kiss that Immigration Reform
goodbye"! So when you are praying for those people (including your best
friend, your family member, your worship leader, your deacon or that
brother/sister that seats every Sunday in our churches next to you) asking for
relieve, for immigration reform, for an amnesty and an opportunity to be a
regular citizen, so that they can just drive safely to and from work or to and
from church, remember the celebration and this result. In his last year Bush
sent a project for immigration reform to the House and it was shut-down by his
own party (the Republican Party). Republicans are absolutely against any
immigration reform and in special any option for amnesty or path for
citizenship.
I agree 100% that president Obama did not performed accordingly to
what he promised but one cannot forget that the Republican Party was in control
of the House and blocked every effort that they could regarding legislation and
reform (as they promised that they would do when Obama took office for his
second mandate). Now that they control both Chambers there is little or no hope
that any legislation that does not agrees with the GOP will not be passed (not
even in the Senate) in special Immigration Reform (as was already said by the
party new leader-to-be, re-elected senator Mitch McConnell-KY). Although I
agree with those that say that Obama has not done enough (or nothing) for
immigration reform I cannot believe that with a Republican Congress the chances
of reform happening are better than before! I still have hope that the
president will act on his promise to do the immigration reform now (after the
election) even if he needs to use Executive Orders to get it done!
I just want
to be sure that you are truthful to yourself, to your church and to your brothers and sisters. Truthful and honest to those for whom you are praying with for Immigration Reform, for those that you have your arms around, trying to console them, even kneeling down with
them. So that, in that moment, you remember that what you are doing is just the opposite of your actions
on this election day! What you are doing is praying for the Lord to “bless this
food and make it nourishment to our bodies” meanwhile holding in your hands a
double-x-burger with bacon and large fries! It does not make any sense and you
are not been sincere and truly honest with those in need.
I will continue to pray for relieve for these families and continue to use this powerful tool, my vote, to make this change become a reality!
May God bless the United States and the 114th United State Congress!
PS: I wrote this article for a local newspaper that focus on Immigrants and Legislation, and requested my point of view, as a religious leader in an immigrant church. It will be published on next week issue.
