Is it illegal to be a Christian?

Is it illegal to be a Christian? This is a good question raised by Mark Adams, a PCUSA mission co-worker at Frontera de Cristo, a Presbyterian a border ministry n Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. It seems that for some, who have followed Jesus' message to care for the hungry, thirsty, naked, and stranger, it is been, as they have been arrested for living into the gospel message.

In his article, "Proclaiming Good News in the Midst of Bad," (in Horizons journal) Mark reminds us of the story of the Good Samaritan. In the story, "the Levite and a priest pass by the wounded man on the side of the road. In the strictest sense, they were following the law - to have stopped to provide assistance would have endangered their law-abiding status, they would have risked becoming 'unclean'. But the priest and Levite who had justified legal reasons for passing by are not held up as the example to follow. Rather, the Samaritan is."

Here are some other Scriptures which can guide how we reflect theologically on immigration, the border and migrants:

Genesis 1:27 - All humanity is created in God's image and therefore deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Matthew 22:39 - We are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

Matthew 25: 31-46 - We are called to welcome the stranger, provide food for the hungry and water for the thirsty - and "just as you did it to the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."

Luke 10:37 - We are encouraged to follow the example of the Good Samaritan and "Go and do likewise."

I thank God for those Good Samaritans who will not allow the government to define their Gospel values.