Beloved sisters and brothers
We call you to prayer for our siblings in the USA who are taking legal action that seeks to restore the rights of people of faith to gather, worship and serve without government interference. Mennonite Church USA joins more than 20 Christian and Jewish communities in this action.
The current presidential administration of the USA has removed restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting immigration raids, arrests and other enforcement actions at houses of worship. Today, those who are targeted by these changes are described as “asylum seekers” or “migrants”; in the Bible, they are called “aliens/sojourners” (Leviticus 19:33-34) or “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). God’s people were regularly reminded to welcome and look after those who are vulnerable (Exodus 23:9, Deuteronomy 10:19, Hebrews 13:2). Today, some of that work is done through places of worship which are made unsafe by these policy changes.
“We believe that because of Christ’s call to care for those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, or imprisoned (Matt. 25:31-36), we must join with Jesus’ early followers in choosing to obey God rather than any human authority (Acts 5:29),” writes MC USA moderator Jon Carlson in a letter to the global Anabaptist-Christian family.
“I recognize that Anabaptist engagement with secular authorities is a complicated subject…. Even so, Anabaptists have, at various points in history, used legal means to prevent the state from encroaching on religious practice and to protect the free exercise of our faith…,” writes Jon Carlson.
“We know that many of our siblings throughout the world have endured much harsher persecution and governmental intrusion into their communities,” says Jon Carlson. He invites the global communion to pray for MC USA, “bearing one another’s burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). We also welcome you to share your wisdom and insight into how we remain faithful in the face of governmental pressure. Please continue to hold followers of Jesus in the United States in your prayers, as we hold you in our prayers as well.”
Pray with us
Mennonite World Conference calls on our members around the world to pray for the partners in this legal challenge, and all our members in the USA.
- We pray for the Spirit of God to embolden people to public witness and protective action for those who are vulnerable.
- We thank God for the courage to oppose unjust actions, even from their own government.
- We thank God for partners in other religious communities, for solidarity in protecting religious liberties for all and rights of vulnerable people.
We ask for prayer for all North Americans to find The Courage to Love in the midst of political uncertainty and economic fears of this moment. In Canada, Mexico and the USA, may our Anabaptist siblings see the image of God in all people from all places. May we have the grace to set aside fear and political ideologies and differences. May the church of Jesus Christ respond to threats and divisiveness with creative acts of compassion and love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace, amen.
Henk Stenvers,
president,
Mennonite World Conference
César García
general secretary,
Mennonite World Conference
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