John Knox Presbytery

Richland Center, Wisconsin

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John Knox Presbytery’s Statement On Immigration

June 19, 2018 By Karen Deniger

Dear friends of John Knox Presbytery,

A few days ago, Romans 13 was quoted as a directive for US citizens to support the government in its recently initiated policy of separating children from their parents. This practice was then referred to as a negotiating tool to win concessions on immigration legislation.

Christians are speaking out across denominational and theological lines to say trying to use scripture to justify something as heinous as taking children from parents without adequate notice of care or information regarding where children are kept or how to be reunited, does not reflect the gospel message of loving neighbor or caring for the downtrodden. Jesus was very clear when dealing with the Pharisees, “render to Caesar, that which is Caesar’s, and unto God, that which is God’s.” Jesus was saying to those who tested him; it is permissible to pay taxes, but do not abandon the values of love, care, and justice because a government, any government, wants you to do so. Immigration policy should be a political issue, when done so inhumanely it becomes an issue to be addressed by the faith community as well as those who have compassion for the poor.

Nearly as important as the policy of separating families, this directive quoting Romans is an attempt to use religion/the church to support the government despite the fact the government is engaging in practices that are clearly in conflict with the teachings of our God, our Savior, and the scriptures. Co-opting the church is a tactic tried by many governments. The Theological statement of Barmen was written by ministers and church folk who resisted the attempt of the German government to co-opt the church in the mid 1930’s. Those authors paid for that statement with their lives!  It is that important. This missive by the JKP leadership is intended to speak out against this inhumane treatment of God’s children and the misuse of scripture.

Following is a statement issued by PCUSA Stated Clerk, J. Herbert Nelson on this issue.

Chaz Ruark, Executive Presbyter, John Knox Presbytery,
Linda Jawson, Moderator, John Knox Presbytery,
Tim Gerarden, Vice-Moderator, John Knox Presbytery,
Cathy Van Landuyt, Council Chair, John Knox Presbytery,
Alyson Janke, Stated Clerk, John Knox Presbytery

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Filed Under: News

Due to the holiday schedule, we are not posting a Prayer Church of the Week this week.  We encourage all of our congregations to pray for the members and ministry of their own church.  A time of thanks and intersession for one another.

CHAZ’S CORNER – NOVEMBER, 2019
CONTEXT AND VISION . . . As we are well into the month of November, the month when we take a day to give thanks for the good things of life, I want to start by saying thank you to John Knox Presbytery for my recent Renewal leave. Click here to read more

News & Notes

  • John Knox Presbytery Response To Baraboo Photo
  • John Knox Presbytery’s Statement On Immigration
  • Vision Statement
  • News and Notes – 2019 & 2020 Presbytery Information

Contact Information

John Knox Presbytery
1850 Bohmann Drive, Suite 1
P.O. Box 350
Richland Center, WI 53581

Monday-Thursday - 8:00-4:30

Phone: 608-647-8828
FAX: 608-647-3886
jkp@jknox.org

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