a prophetic voice-

Immigration reform continues to be a hot-button issue in many segments of our society, so I was particularly gratified to find an article on the subject in the latest issue of our denominational publication, The Lutheran. Written by Jose David Rodriquez, a professor of global mission and world Christianity at the Lutheran School of theology in Chicago, the article includes the following information (which I quote): On Nov.14, 2009, the ELCA Church Council approved a social policy resolution regarding immigration, "Toward Compassionate, Just, and Wise Immigration Reform". The text reflects the rich legacy of the Lutheran church's concern for the neighbor,  particularly the uprooted, the alien, and the stranger. The biblical and theological donations for the resolution lie in core commitments based on hospitality for the displaced as a means to practice the gospel's call to live our neighbor in response to  God's love in Christ. Rodriquez goes on t...

Even as some sisters & brothers in Alabama are rejoicing over the passage of the "most comprehensive immigration law" in these United states, I have been immersed in a thought-provoking book entitled Healing the Heart of Democracy  by Parker Palmer, a Quaker educator, writer, and founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal. Even as my heart is breaking open over the zenophobia which seems to be sweeping over parts of our nation, I find myself taking heart from what Palmer calls Five Habits of the Heart which he feels we American citizens need in response to twenty-first-century conditions...five interlocking habits which he feels will be crucial to sustaining our democracy. We must understand that we are all in this together. This means embracing the simple fact that we are dependent on and accountable to one another. We must develop an appreciation of the value of "otherness", welcoming and including the "other" with an awareness that the stran...