What can one say from the pulpit about the issue of immigration?
Immigration has long been a hot-button topic, stirring political debates and often divisive opinions. In today’s world, as global migration surges due to economic, political, and climate factors, the topic of immigration has become increasingly complex. Addressing it in sacred spaces can be perplexing.
So what can one say that is faithful, aligned with the biblical tradition and morality, without causing the congregation to immediately stop listening?
In a word, it boils down to contextualization—within, behind, and in front of the scriptural tradition that addresses the realities of migration. Here are three approaches you can use as you prepare to preach on immigration.
Understand the context of Scriptures
It is crucial to first understand the context of scriptural texts that resonate with themes related to immigration or people on the move. These themes include hospitality, welcoming the stranger, walls and borders, identity, children and families, economics and poverty, violence, security and sovereignty, and human rights and ethics. Scriptural texts engage with these topics when discussing certain passages related to immigration (for example, Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 10:18-19; Ezekiel 47:21-22; Matthew 5:10-11; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:1-2). Understanding what these themes meant in the ancient world serves as a solid starting point.
That requires looking for commentaries that include a socio-political framework to clarify one’s understanding. Why consult commentaries? Over time, many in the pews have been interested in what the text originally “meant.” And the modern world still places significant value on understanding the meaning behind biblical texts. Contextualizing what it meant for people of faith to move from one location to another in ancient times encourages careful listening, fosters empathy, enhances historical awareness, and can prompt reflection on ethical responsibilities towards others.
Connect the biblical story to our current situation
In addition to contextualizing biblical texts around themes of immigration, it’s important to contextualize the biblical stories themselves to maintain the congregation’s engagement. Contextualizing stories, such as the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:27-39), allows us to fully grasp their significance, understand the interactions between characters, draw lessons from them, and achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the narrative and what it means to take care of a stranger. A valuable resource for this exploration is Pope Francis’s interpretation of the Good Samaritan in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship, 2020). His interpretation enriches our understanding and empathy by situating the story within a broader historical and cultural context of the ancient world. It helps illuminate the complexities inherent in encounters with migrants and refugees, a complexity we ourselves experience in our lives.
Note Christianity’s role in global migrations
Thirdly, it’s essential to contextualize Christianity itself and its historical role in global migrations over its first 1,500 years. Central to Christianity is the concept of believers carrying their faith with them on their journeys—much like contemporary Christians who bring their faith across borders today. Many of those crossing the southern border of the U.S., for instance, identify as Christians. This movement of faith underscores continuity between historical and present-day expressions of Christian migration.
Exploring this tradition reveals that the faith of those who migrated in the past is akin to that of present-day migrants. A valuable resource for understanding this aspect of Christianity is Jehu J. Hanciles’s book, Migration and the Making of Global Christianity (Eerdmans, 2021). This critically engaged exploration of migration and Christianity resonates with diverse ideological perspectives within congregations. It serves as an ideal reading for a Sunday morning group prior to addressing immigration in sermons, fostering a more informed engagement with Christian traditions among congregants.
My approach to maintain congregation engagement when discussing the issue of immigration involves contextualization. This method parallels my teaching strategy in the classroom, where contextualization serves to deepen understanding, prevent misinterpretations, foster critical thinking, and illuminate the complexities inherent in narratives.
Consider the challenge of understanding Irish migration without acknowledging the trauma caused by land dispossession during the Great Famine (1845-1852) or comprehending German migration without grasping the political upheavals of the 19th century. Similarly, attempting to comprehend Venezuelan migration without recognizing the country’s economic collapse all underscores the importance of contextualization. It allows us to appreciate the intricate decisions individuals make when leaving their homes for unfamiliar lands.
How can we discuss the issue of immigration in a way that keeps the congregation engaged? Contextualize! It’s not just about what you say, but about revealing the complexity of the issue from all angles—behind, in, and in front of the biblical text. Involve the congregation by demonstrating how ancient understandings of migration link with contemporary immigration issues and extend into broader Christian tradition across centuries. With this approach, I hope, one remains faithful to the biblical tradition while fostering deeper understanding and relevance for today’s issues on immigration.
