By Bob Allen Faith communities in the United States both serve and benefit from immigrants, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter said July 10 in a conference at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. “Immigrants have brought…
Ten reasons why I pray during Ramadan
My initial experiences with Ramadan years ago in West Africa were at times confusing to say the least. I will never forget getting caught in an awful traffic jam in the main thoroughfare of one of the most congested neighborhood…
CBF head joins immigration panel
By Bob Allen As House Republicans gather Wednesday in private to discuss their next steps on the comprehensive Senate immigration bill, the top leader of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion at an immigration…
Say no to immigration bill
By Miguel De La Torre I oppose Senate Bill 744, legislation passed 68-22 on Thursday to significantly overhaul the nation’s immigration laws. I have worked, written and lectured on immigration reform throughout the country for the past several years, but I…
SBC leader appears in immigration ads
By Bob Allen The incoming head of the Southern Baptist Convention Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission said May 30 that immigration reform will take a high priority in his new role. “Just and fair immigration reform … will be a…
Can you imagine?
“Can you imagine being in a place where you do not know how to communicate??” That is how my friend from South America began a short presentation she will be giving as a panelist for a breakout at this year’s…
Faith leaders oppose religious profiling
By Bob Allen As the Senate opened formal debate on a proposal for comprehensive immigration reform, a group of religious organizations called on senators to include a ban on religious profiling in the final package. An 844-page legislative plan developed…
Boston is about us
When I recovered from the initial shock and horror of the Boston Marathon bombing, I automatically switched into advocacy mode. “Please, God,” I thought, “don’t let the perpetrators turn out to be foreigners or immigrants.” I am not proud of…
The fence through Friendship Park
A fence runs through Friendship Park at the western end of the U.S. border with Mexico. A 20-foot tall steel structure begun in late 2011 and completed in early 2012, it begins at the very spot where (without barriers) it…