HOUSTON (ABP) — Hispanic Texas Baptist youth and singles issued a proclamation on immigration reform April 15, calling government leaders to “pass just and compassionate legislation that addresses stronger border security, respect for the law, and a process for citizenship with regard to U.S. undocumented immigrants.”
More than 2,500 Hispanic Texas Baptists gathered to hear the proclamation, read by Alcides Guajardo, president of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas. The assembly took place at the end of the Texas Baptist Hispanic Youth and Singles Congreso, which was sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
The formal announcement focuses on Jesus' ministry to the downtrodden. “Jesus placed the poor and the oppressed at the center of his mission on earth,” it said.
“You have come together today in solemn assembly to pray, to seek God's face and to pray for our nation's leaders,” said Albert Reyes, president of the Baptist University of the Americas, who led the assembly. “You have come to seek liberty and justice for all.”
The event — juxtaposed against recent school walkouts and large-scale immigration demonstrations throughout the nation — was tranquil and contemplative.
“I think it's critical for Texas Baptist leadership to demonstrate that, in the midst of crisis, we respond peacefully, in a law-abiding fashion, and that we respond by prayer and action,” Reyes said.
Some assembly attendees or their family members could be undocumented immigrants, Reyes said, and this issue is pertinent to their lives.
“It's not only about them; it's about us,” he said. “It's about how we're going to respond to this issue.”
John Sanchez, a graduate student at Baylor University who attended the assembly to show his support for a peaceful resolution to the immigration issue, echoed Reyes' sentiments.
“My parents were immigrants to this country,” he said. “This is an issue that's very dear to me. I want to see our leaders, Baptist and otherwise, make the right decision on this. It's going to impact the future of this nation for decades to come.”
In closing, Reyes urged listeners to seize the moment and take action.
“Do not let this moment die,” he said. “Follow the issues, continue to pray for our leaders, encourage your pastors, and look for ways God will use you this week to minister to the poor, the prisoner, the blind, and the oppressed in your community.”
An estimated 12 million illegal immigrants live in the United States. More than one million of them live in Texas.
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