Bring an end to the unjust treatment at the US border
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (NRSV: Romans 12:9-13)
The members of Faith, Family, Equality: The Latinx Roundtable join the many voices that aim to call for the end of the unjust treatment of individuals and families at the various border entries to the United States. As followers of Jesus we are called to “strive for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human being.”
We believe that the fulfilment of our life in Christ is acting in such a way that love rather than hate is the value that overcomes division and binds diverse communities together. Integral to this belief is the importance of family, especially during times of crisis. Our materials aim to have inclusive families and faith communities; we do not do this work solely for the liberation of LGBTQ+ communities, but for the ability of every human being and all families to live in dignity and peace, and live into the fullness of life as children of God. If one community is oppressed, none are free.
We affirm the value of family for human well-being. Some of us know the pain of being separated from our families because of prejudice; our experiences also affirm God’s healing power in bringing us back together. We decry any efforts to divide families against their will and denounce it as harmful and dangerous.
Moreover, we celebrate the contributions that migrants have made to the United States and other countries. Immigrants bring cultural, spiritual, economic and social value, often experiencing great hardship to do so. Their tenacity and determination strengthen our country.
Faith, Family, Equality: The Latinx Roundtable, a program of CLGS, the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion, strives to promote understanding, acceptance, and affirmation of Latinx LGBTQ+ persons and their families in faith communities and the wider Latinx community.