In light of the current political shifts surrounding immigration law enforcement in our country, our leadership team felt it was both timely and necessary to communicate our posture toward both the immigrant and the governing authorities. As a church rooted in the love and teachings of Jesus, we desire to offer clarity, compassion, and practical guidance for navigating these complex times.
“Love God. Love People. Live it Out.” That saying is found on shirts, on signage, and on invite cards at the South Suburban Vineyard Church. It is also embedded in all we strive to do as we seek to live on mission and follow the Greatest Commandment. In Matthew 27:37-39, “Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important. ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
A significant part of loving our neighbor includes “the stranger among us” regardless of their legal status. We can look to the wisdom found in Scripture when God said to His chosen people, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:34). While this informs our lean towards people, the Apostle Paul also teaches in Romans 13:1 that, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
We know obeying Jesus often means navigating complex societal issues with wisdom and grace. Currently, the issue of immigration and changing immigration policies are something to be discussed. The South Suburban Vineyard Church, with guidance from Vineyard USA, wants to equip and share resources on this timely topic.
What happens if an ICE agent comes to SSV?
Until recently, churches have been considered “sensitive” locations that are off-limits to immigration enforcement authorities. Earlier this year, that policy changed and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are now allowed to enter “sensitive” locations like churches, schools, hospitals, and domestic violence shelters. This authority to conduct arrests does not erase standards for those arrests to be lawful. This means ICE may need a judicial warrant and probable cause. ICE’s scope of authority also does not extend into private spaces like kids’ classrooms, bathrooms, and pastoral offices.
If an ICE agent comes to the SSV, please notify a pastor (Geno, Shannon or David Jacob) or an SSV staff member immediately. A congregant or visitor should not interact with an ICE agent without a pastor or staff member present. As Christ-following pastors and leaders, we are ultimately subject to the authority of Jesus. We will follow recommended guidelines for interacting with ICE and at the same time, seek to care for the immigrant as a witness to Jesus and His coming Kingdom.
What happens if ICE approaches or arrests a congregant?
For the person being approached or arrested, best practices include staying silent and not opening a door without a signed judicial warrant. A judicial warrant is signed by a judge and involves probable cause. This is different from an administrative warrant that is issued without probable cause.
Do not lie or run. As Kingdom people, we honor God’s truth as we speak God’s truth even when there are consequences. Lying only makes immigration matters worse. It’s wise to have emergency contacts, personal information, proof of any pending or approved application for immigration benefits, and other immigration history handy. All of this makes it easier to coordinate legal services if detained. If no A-number* has been assigned previously, ICE will assign one when the person is detained and/or placed into removal proceedings. That number should be shared with emergency contacts.
*A-number: A unique seven-, eight-, or nine-digit number assigned to certain noncitizens by the Department of Homeland Security.
How do we pursue God’s Kingdom through this?
When political winds could divide and distract us, we strive to remain faithful and seek the Holy Spirit for wisdom, courage and love. Would you join us in prayer?
Come, Holy Spirit. Help us love the ICE agent and the immigrant alike. Bring your peace and comfort to those who may be experiencing fear or anxiety during these times. Help the SSV to be a light in the darkness, stand for truth, and come alongside our neighbors in need. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.
For more information or to get in contact with someone from our pastoral team, please email: info@southsuburbanvineyard.org.
Sincerely,
Geno Olison
Lead Pastor