JUSTICE AND IMMIGRATION

We, pastors and Christian leaders in New Orleans, speak as followers of Jesus Christ in a city shaped by many cultures. Our food, music, neighborhoods, and churches reflect people from many nations. We remember with gratitude how immigrants helped rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, repairing homes, restoring businesses, and helping restore life to our city. Their labor and sacrifice are part of our shared story.

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Today our city again faces difficult questions about immigration and enforcement. We are not elected officials and we do not enforce the law, but we do have a responsibility to speak from Scripture and to describe what faithful Christian witness requires.

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We write to two audiences. First, our civic leaders and those who enforce the law. Second, our congregations and fellow Christians seeking to respond in a Christlike way.

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What We Believe

Every person bears the image of God- All people are created in the image and likeness of God and are worthy of dignity, respect, and care, regardless of nationality, legal status, race, language, or religion.

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God loves and defends the marginalized- Scripture shows God’s special concern for the poor, the stranger, the widow, and the orphan. Immigrants and refugees, especially those who are fearful, poor, or without legal protections, are deeply loved by God. 

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Government has a God given role, and the church has a distinct calling- Governing authorities have a God given role in maintaining order and seeking justice for the common good. Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility carried out under current law. 

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Our Word to Civic Leaders and Those Charged with Enforcing the Law

Those who lack lawful status are subject to deportation under current law, and the federal government has authority to enforce these laws in our city. As you do so, we respectfully ask the following.

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Proceed lawfully and with fairness- Enforce existing laws carefully and lawfully. Follow established protocols, ensure due process, provide access to legal counsel, and communicate clearly with those affected. A just society protects both immigrants and long term residents under the same rule of law. We also ask you to support and shape immigration policies that reflect justice and mercy and that recognize the contributions of immigrants to New Orleans and to our nation.

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Honor human dignity and avoid unnecessary harm- Carry out all operations in ways that treat every person with dignity and respect. Humane treatment must be the standard in every interaction and in every place of detention, including safe conditions, medical care, adequate food and shelter, and access to legal and spiritual support. 

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Protect families wherever possible- Make every reasonable effort to keep families together and to minimize harm to those who are not the focus of enforcement, especially children, the elderly, and the medically fragile. Family separation should be avoided whenever the law allows alternatives. When removal cannot be avoided, plan carefully so that spouses, children, and dependents are not left without care, support, or clear information.

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Therefore, we urge our elected officials and policymakers to work toward immigration laws that embody both justice and mercy. This includes:

• Creating and expanding clear legal pathways to citizenship and lawful status, including for long term residents and those brought here as children.​

• Expediting cases for those who have invested in the life of our communities yet remain in prolonged legal limbo.​

• Ensuring humane treatment of all who are detained or incarcerated, including contact with family and access to counsel, medical care, and pastoral care.

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As pastors in this city, we commit to praying for our mayor, our governor, our congressional delegation, and for federal agencies, asking God to grant wisdom, restraint, justice, compassion, and deep concern for the marginalized.

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Our Word to Our Congregations and Fellow Christians

We also address the people in our churches and Christians throughout New Orleans. The government has its task. The church has a different one.

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We are called to a calm, faithful, and peaceful presence- In a time of intense media coverage and strong reactions, we urge Christians to resist fear and anger. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent, a time to protest and a time to pray quietly. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. Our city needs a steady, prayerful presence that seeks the good of our neighbors, especially those who feel targeted or forgotten. 

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We are called to love and serve our immigrant neighbors- Churches should walk with immigrants not only in crisis but in everyday life. This can include prayer, friendship, language support, legal referrals, childcare, transportation, and material aid when families are disrupted. Christians are called to practice hospitality, opening homes and tables, listening to stories, and sharing burdens. In doing so we bear witness to God’s love for those on the margins and affirm their God given dignity.

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We are called to support ministries for immigrants- We urge churches to support or develop ministries dedicated to immigrants and refugees. This may include partnering with existing ministries and nonprofits, offering space for clinics or classes, supporting legal aid, or forming teams to accompany immigrant families and those affected by detention or deportation. 

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We are called to prophetic mercy- Prophetic witness reminds our leaders and neighbors that God cares deeply for the stranger, the widow, and the orphan. It seeks mercy for those brought here as children, those trafficked, and those caught in a complex and sometimes unjust system. 

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Our Hope for New Orleans

Authorities may arrest a limited number of people and then move on. The deeper question for the church is how we will minister to those who remain, both immigrants and long time residents. How will we support families, reassure children, and serve our neighborhoods in the name of Jesus. We believe New Orleans can tell a better story than what has been seen in other places. By honoring the law, calling for fairness and mercy, pursuing just and humane immigration policies, and offering concrete care to our neighbors, the church can point our city to the heart of God. We offer this statement in humility and hope. May the Lord who loves the stranger and who once lived as a child refugee guide our leaders, our churches, and all the people of New Orleans in the days ahead.

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Signed,

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Pastors and Christian leaders from New Orleans and the surrounding region.