The arms of the American Presbyterian church, the conservative reformist denomination, are repenting to post guidance to help illegal immigrants avoid detention.
Last week, Mission to North America, the PCA resource and mission arm, received a fierce backlash on social media after it was discovered that illegal immigrants were a page on a website dedicated to helping authorities and immigrant enforcement.
“Encouraging people to deceive the government is not something the church has to do.”
FAQ section Since then, deleted resource pagesMNA will “suppress illegal immigrants from posting documents indicating their country of origin” and, if contacted by immigration authorities, “show identity documents that do not include your country of birth or citizenship.” I advised.
This page guided immigrants on ways to reduce the likelihood of being deported if detained.
“If you've been paroleed or are in the US for less than two years and you're afraid of returning to your home country, tell the officer you're afraid of returning,” Page said. Ta. “You should get a reliable and fearful interview as a result. If an officer refuses to do your trustful and fearful interview, ask for an opportunity for an immigration judge to review your fear.”
This page advised people to “report the attack.” This could be seen as a hindrance to justice – President Donald Trump has declared that he has no constitutional authority to end his birthright citizenship.
Zachary Groff, a PCA pastor and member of the committee that oversees the MNA, said that PCA members responded to “protest and protest against alarms and false judgments” when they noticed the resource page.
“The PCA ranks and files are not at all happy to support what has been published. People are very, very uneasy and naturally upset.” I said Christian Post.
How did the leader respond?
After the backlash accelerated, the PCA quickly deleted the resource page and issued a full apology.
“MNA leadership has incorrectly allowed us to post content that advises undocumented people on how to avoid being detained by the authorities.” I said MNA Director Irwyn Ince.
Such guidance covened the Bible and the Westminster confession of faith.
“We assert that it is our Christian duty to obey the legal orders of the civil magistrate and be subject to their authority (WCF 23.4; Romans 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-14). Otherwise, sin is sin, “Ince explained.
“We confess that we have not met biblical, confessional standards. We will repent and apologize,” he said. “We apologize for causing confusion and surprise at the church. We have removed all previously posted information from our website.”
Repentance is biblical and good, but PCA pastor Ryan Biese, host of the PCA-focused “Westminster Standard Podcast,” says PCA more dramatic against “reckless” behaviour, including changes in MNA leadership. He said that it is necessary to take action.
“Encouraging people to deceive the government is not something the church should do,” Beads said. I said Everyday wire. “That goes against who we are.
“The mission of the Church is to teach them everything that Christ commanded them and make disciples by baptizing them,” he added. “Nothing that was on that page involved making disciples or being baptized by people.”
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