Tell religious leaders: Speak the truth about immigrants!

Too many faith leaders are failing to call out Trump's lies and hatred directed at immigrants, and to call for compassion

Harris, Donald Trump's language describing immigrants is deliberately inflammatory, filled with hate, and outright lies, to stoke fear and anger in the American people for his own political gain. He pulls no punches in his vicious rhetoric, calling immigrants "killers," "rapists," "predators," and "vermin."   Tragically, some Christian faith leaders -- who are extremely influential within Trump's voting base -- have chosen to echo these same harmful concepts instead of upholding the core tenets of love, justice, and hospitality found in their faith tradition. Franklin Graham, one of Trump's most vocal evangelical supporters, has repeatedly defended the administration's anti-immigrant policies, claiming that immigration is "not a Bible issue." Pastor Robert Jeffress, another prominent Trump ally, has echoed anti-immigrant rhetoric, claiming that border restrictions align with "God's plan for nations." These statements contradict the religious imperative to protect the persecuted and welcome the stranger. But faith teaches something entirely different. Christianity, like all major world religions, commands compassion, justice, and mercy. The Bible is clear on this: in the Book of Exodus, followers are exhorted, "Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt." Even the baby Jesus, fleeing violence with his family, was a refugee. What could be more clear than the single most important commandment: To love your neighbor as yourself. Send a direct message to Christian faith leaders urging them to take a stand on the side of truth and dignity for immigrants, not political expediency. Silence is not an option. SIGN AND SEND Right now, immigrants -- many of whom are fleeing war, persecution, and poverty -- are being vilified and mistreated. They are contributing to our communities, working tirelessly to build a better future, yet the dominant culture harasses them with hatred and lies. For centuries, houses of worship have been places of refuge, places where the persecuted found safety and the suffering found solace. To turn our backs now is to betray the values that faith demands of us. No scripture or holy teaching calls for cruelty, division, or indifference. Instead, the world's major religions all require love, justice, and welcome for the stranger. This is a betrayal of our deepest moral, spiritual, and democratic traditions. This is not who we are meant to be. We urge faith leaders to cast aside fear and stand courageously for truth. Now is the moment to challenge these falsehoods, to guide congregations in embracing the sacred duty of welcoming the stranger, and to stand in unwavering solidarity with immigrant communities. Send a message now, calling on faith leaders to reject Trump's divisive rhetoric and uphold the true values of their faith: compassion, honesty, and justice. Thank you for holding to the principles that define our shared humanity. -Rick Rick Weiland, Founder TakeItBack.Org Fund the Fight Paid for in part by TakeItBack.Org. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions to TakeItBack.Org are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to TakeItBack.Org support its many efforts nationwide and any focus is at TakeItBack.Org's sole discretion. Contributions will not necessarily be used to support activity in any one state or specific campaign. All content © 2023 TakeItBack.Org, All Rights Reserved P.O. Box 2017, Sioux Falls, SD 57101 (605) 274 8706 Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from TakeItBack.Org, please click here.