Many voices are speaking to the volatile
and contentious issues of the dysfunction within the U.S. immigration
system both here and abroad, as well as the vital and desperate need to
secure our national borders. It is our conviction that the
historically-respected voice of the pulpits has been needed to bring
balance, principle and reasoned dialogue; however that voice has too
often been provided by clergy who have rejected the orthodox tenets of
the Christian faith and the authority of Holy Scripture.
Therefore, to offer what we believe to be
a solid balance between justice (the rule of law) and compassion
(treating all people with dignity and respect), a group of leading and
highly respected pastors in Houston, Texas came together to initiate the
drafting of what became this declaration. We recognize that even
like-minded people of the Christian faith can disagree on strategy even
where we agree on principle, and our objective was to avoid attempting
to "write legislation" but rather to assert clear principles.
(Video clip from July 9, 2010 press conference in Houston, Texas)
Pastors representing essentially every
ethnic and denominational background have signed on and continue to sign
on in support of this declaration. We unashamedly and unapologetically
profess that we approach this issue, like all issues, through our
Worldview based on belief in the essential doctrines of Christianity.
If this declaration is carefully read and considered, we believe that
the majority of Protestant and Catholic pastors in this country who also
still believe in the "essentials" can confidently sign on as well.
We pray and expect that those serving us in state legislative bodies,
the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and the White House
will hear, listen to and respond to the voices of thousands of pastors
representing hundreds of thousands of god-fearing, patriotic citizens of
our our faith from coast to coast who firmly call for action - now.
We will add informational resources and links to this site for pastors
and others seeking a sound, Biblical viewpoint and respectful dialogue
on the three fundamental steps we outline in the Pastors' Declaration on
Border Security and Immigration Reform - in this order:
·Secure our national borders first
·Reform the immigration system
·Implement a just process to legal status for specified illegal
immigrants
While
we drafted and present this declaration first to our greater Houston
area elected officials, then to the the Texas legislative and
Congressional delegations, we offer this to all pastors in every city
and state as a model to support local pastors in your efforts to bring
this voice to your city and state.
If you believe that a Biblically-balanced solution is vital and the
influence of Biblically-minded pastors is greatly needed on this issue, please sign on as soon as
possible as a supporter of this Declaration. We will constantly
update the list of signers and will assist pastors in strategies to
enlist your peers in your city as well as effectively bringing these
principles before your state and federal legislators.
Finally, we welcome non-pastors of every walk of life to sign on as well as a "Supporter" to stand behind these principles.
