Arizona immigration bill calls into question location for Convention 2013

Reader Comments

• Posted by Frantz at Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 02:11 PM

  Dear friends, allow me to share some thoughts: 1. I think it will be a good witness to the State for the Mennonite Church USA to continue its plans to celebrate the assembly in Arizona in 2013. The politics of sanctions/boycott as practiced by the nations and ‘secular’ organizations always hurt the innocent. A boycott of Arizona takes away the income/jobs of so many people, especially from the poor. 2. Yes, it is possible that if this law is still standing by 2013 (I doubt it will be) many of our brethren and sisters traveling from other countries or from other States will suffer harassment. Hopefully that will not be the case and the Arizona authorities will do their best to ensure that it will not happen. 3. The cost to get out of the contract is incredibly and horribly high. If we celebrate the assembly there on 2013 the cost is basically covered by the participants, delegates etc. If we do not, then the cost of canceling the contract will be from the MCUSA budget. This will be an insult to so many of our congregations and members who are struggling financially. There are so many of our congregations and ministers facing major financial limitations. Many of them have a job or two on the side to complement their income. Other congregations do not have enough to take care of their house of worship. Do you have any idea how many pastoral and staff salaries or support for congregations or other ministries can be covered with that amount? How many ministries of compassion among Christians, Muslim and Jewish organizations et al. could benefit from such large amount? 4. What about if every State chose a similar law? Where would we celebrate our assembly? Going to Arizona is a way to stand for justice and to call for mercy and compassion toward the immigrants, both undocumented and documented ones. The prejudices against immigrants are not only against the so called “illegal” but even legal ones and even worse, against descendants of First Nations (Native Americans) and the children of Spanish “colonizers” that settled in those regions over 500 years ago. That entire region (Arizona, Nuevo Mexico, California, etc) were Spanish colonies all the way to regions of Utah. Of course, sadly the Spanish colonization was just that “a colonization” with all the ‘good” (if any), benefits, and the bad (too much of it) that come with this approach of imperialism and expansionism. 5. The immigration laws which should stay at the Federal level (giving equal protection across the States) may need reform. Let us find ways to witness to the State, while keeping the Principle of Separation of Church and State, in a way that brings justice for all. As citizens of this nation, let us share ideas with our representatives in government. Let us find alternatives that express compassion. Let us challenge from a biblical perspective a nation that proudly claims to have its “ethical roots” in the biblical text. Let us be a prophetic voice. Let us be the voice of the voiceless. 6. One more point: If there is need to change the location, I propose that the delegates be consulted and a vote taken across the USA congregations. I am sure there are many other details in pro or contra that I have not thought about and they have validity. Let us continue the dialogue and find a solution for the sake of justice. Let us bring glory to the Almighty One who is King over all the earth and the universe. To the Eternal One belongs the kingdom, all power and honour, amen. In summary, I would encourage MCUSA to consider staying with the plans for the 2013 assembly in Arizona. Let us do it for the sake of justice, standing with those who suffer, for the Glory of the Eternal One, who is blessed forever, amen. Shalom! Pastor Frantz St.Iago-Peretz (Santiago) Hopewell Mennonite Church A House of Worship for all Nations 45 S 6th St Reading, PA 19602