Statement Regarding HB56 (Anti-immigration) Ruling on Behalf of Concerned Clergy

Press Release- Clergy of the United Methodist Church of the North Alabama Conference Respond to HB56 Ruling

Representing the over 150 members of United Methodist clergy from North Alabama who publically expressed concerns about HB56, we are pleased to see some of the harsh and far-reaching elements of the law have been struck down.  We feel that many of these elements, written by members of the State House and Senate who campaign on Christianity, are not representative of the message of Christ who welcomed the stranger despite country of origin or status.

We want to thank Judge Blackburn for her work with this complicated legal case.  We continue to maintain some elements of this law are harsh and far-reaching, and hope that through the appeals process, the courts will look further into those provisions.

If you have further questions, please contact Rev. Matt Lacey or Rev. R.G. Lyons at the email addresses below. 

 

Rev. Matt Lacey, mlacey@northalabamaumc.org

Rev. R.G. Lyons, rglyons@gmail.com

By: Matt Lacey On 9/28/2011
Topics: Missions and Advocacy

Comments

1. Kay Twilley wrote on 9/28/2011 4:49:38 PM
Thank goodness for common sense. I hope we can continue working on this subject with positive results.
2. Oliver Clark wrote on 9/28/2011 5:23:13 PM
Many thanks to R. G., Matt, and Bishop Willimon in proviving leadership on this issue.
3. Wayne Williams wrote on 9/29/2011 10:43:26 AM
Trying to isolate ourselves from others has never been healthy or effective. Hospitality has always been an important part of Christian/American life. I'd hate to see this change.
4. Ben Vernon wrote on 9/29/2011 8:50:28 PM
I would like my liberal friends who are posting such support for our leaderships actions that Gov. Bently was voted into office based largely on this as a part of his platform. It dismays me greatly that our conference posts article after article portraying opposition to this law, while steadfastly refusing to provide fair balance in posting information on those leaders and denominational members who strongly support this action. The liberal left in this conference most deffinitely does not speak for all of us, no matter how much they try to portray that image.
5. John Welch wrote on 9/29/2011 9:39:26 PM
There is right and wrong; there is good sense and un-american stupidity. Bishop Willimon has stood for good sense, justice, and plain decency.
6. Frank wrote on 10/4/2011 11:57:41 AM
Let me see, With 5 comments posted I have learned that if a person agrees with the LAW they have no common sense are trying to isolate themselves and I am not sure if that is unchristian/un-American or not but surely must be wrong and stupid with no good sense, justice or plain decency. What kind of Christian comments are these? Throwing stones and calling people names will not solve this problem. True leadership would try to pull the fractions together rather than create a divide. If this Conference really wanted to influence this law the Leadership would create a panel with input of all within the conference. Please respect the beliefs and opinions of others even if you don't agree with them. Don't insinuate they are unchristian with unchristian remarks.
7. David Ward wrote on 10/4/2011 3:29:17 PM
Amen,Frank!Thanks for pointing that out.
8. Ben Vernon wrote on 10/6/2011 12:02:49 AM
My grandparents were poor immigrants who sold what little bit they had and moved here from war torn Germany. They abided by every law, did everything required by them, and eventually became American Citizens. Today our leadership requires any immigrant from any other part of the world to follow existing laws. Yet, this same leadership wants to ignore those same laws when dealing with people from one area of the globe. This essentially creates a double standard. One set of rules for one group, and a totally different set of rules for people from other groups. I just see this law as an attempt by the state to do what the federal government is refusing to do, enforce immigration laws equally to all who come here. My grandparents did it legally, even though it took every penny they had. They were desperate to escape horrible conditions too. Is it too much to ask for no favoritism from our legal system? I welcome those who want to come here. I just think everyone should do it legally, or no one do it legally. One rule for all.
9. mark g wrote on 2/14/2012 4:44:50 PM
If United States specifically Alabama was under theocratic rule then Rev. Matt Lacey and the like might have a point. But guess what we are not under such rule. For the Christian our mandate is to obey the laws of man until such law goes against scriptural principles. This law doesn't go against scriptural principals of the Gospel message. I'm all for helping someone but as a Christian I need to do it lawfully. BTW the Bible Gospel message specifically pertains to salvation (man is lost, Christ died for our sins, he was buried and rose again on third day so that man when he trust Christ can be saved).
10. Jim wrote on 6/28/2012 3:01:29 PM
We are a nation of immigrants... as christians, we should welcome todays immigrants into our nation as we would into our own home... thru the front door. No one welcomes those that come thru our unprotected doors and windows. Our nation has the most liberal immigration programs in the world... we actively seek people from all over the world to come here for school, for work and for permenant residence. There are millions of people that take advantage of our christian love and outreach to violate our laws... to bring in tons of drugs that drasticly impact on lives... to come here by illegal means with less than christian motives. I encourge our church leaders and all members to draw a distinction between doing things legally and doing things illegally... just as we teach our children. Our church should be working with political leaders (State & National) to rise above political party bickering and revise our national immigration laws to retake our out of control Immigration problems... to better mamage legal immagration... & to stop illegal entry.