The church reiterates the immigration tenets of love, law, and family connection
The church issues a statement stating that three guiding principles and rules are consistent with earlier immigration comments.
The church issues a statement stating that three guiding principles and rules are consistent with earlier immigration comments. In addition to communicating guidance to local leaders in the United States, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reaffirmed its guiding principles toward immigration, which include love, law, and family unity. On Thursday, January 30, the Church posted an official statement on ChurchofJesusChrist.org stating that the instruction closely echoes earlier immigration-related pronouncements.According to the declaration, the following values underpin the Church's stance on immigration-related matters:
The law is obeyed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."Loving our neighbours is how we follow Jesus Christ.
According to what the Savior taught, "neighbour" refers to all of God's children.
Regardless of their immigration status, we aim to give individuals in need access to basic clothes and food to the extent that our capacity permits.
Keeping families together is something we are particularly worried about.
The Church's reaffirmation of these principles comes at a time when immigration remains a highly debated and often divisive issue in many parts of the world. By emphasizing love for all neighbours, regardless of their background or legal status, the Church underscores its commitment to the fundamental Christian tenet of compassion. This emphasis on love serves as a powerful counterpoint to rhetoric that often dehumanizes and marginalizes immigrants. The statement also highlights the importance of adhering to the rule of law, and acknowledging the sovereign right of nations to regulate their borders and immigration processes. This balanced approach seeks to reconcile humanitarian concerns with the practical realities of national governance.The specific mention of family unity reflects the Church's deep concern for the well-being of families affected by immigration policies. The separation of families, particularly children from their parents, is a particularly sensitive issue that raises profound ethical and emotional questions. The Church's statement suggests a desire for immigration policies that prioritize keeping families together, recognizing the vital role that family units play in the social and emotional development of individuals and the stability of communities. This focus on family unity aligns with broader human rights principles that recognize the fundamental right of families to remain together.The Church's commitment to providing necessities like food and clothing to those in need, regardless of their immigration status, demonstrates a practical application of its principle of love for all neighbours. This commitment to charitable service reflects the Church's long-standing tradition of humanitarian aid and its dedication to alleviating suffering wherever it is found. By extending assistance to immigrants in need, the Church puts its stated principles into action, providing tangible support to vulnerable populations.The statement concludes by reiterating the Church's prior pronouncements on immigration, emphasizing the consistency of its position. This reaffirmation serves to clarify the Church's stance on this complex issue and guides its members on how to approach the topic with both compassion and respect for the law. It also underscores the Church's desire to contribute to a more humane and just conversation about immigration, advocating for policies that reflect both national interests and fundamental human values.
