Christian groups wary of Trump action on refugees

A group of Christian groups sent a letter to President Trump and Vice President Pence on Sunday, speaking out against the administration’s move to indefinitely halt accepting refugees from Syria and putting a 120-day hold on admitting other refugees.

Trump said Friday that the U.S. could prioritize the resettlement of Christian refugees over members of other religious groups.

But in the letter, obtained by Politico, the Christian groups said they were “troubled” by the executive action.

{mosads}“The Bible teaches us that each person—including each refugee, regardless of their country of origin, religious background, or any other qualifier—is made in the Image of God, with inherent dignity and potential. Their lives matter to God, and they matter to us,” the letter said.  

“While the U.S. has in recent years received only a fraction of 1 percent of the world’s refugees annually, we believe the refugee resettlement program provides a lifeline to these uniquely vulnerable individuals and a vital opportunity for our

churches to live out the biblical commands to love our neighbors, to make disciples of all nations, and to practice hospitality.

Those signing onto the letter include the Accord Network, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Korean Churches for Community Development, the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the Wesleyan Church, World Relief and World Vision.