Wildes responds to Trump’s immigration ban
January 30, 2017
Father Wildes released a statement concerning Trump’s immigration ban. As of today, federal courts have issued temporary stays, and the ACLU is working with other organizations to reverse the order.
Although it is unlikely that individuals with existing lawful status will be affected, the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J. made the suggestion in his letter that foreign nationals from affected countries avoid all international travel for the immediate future and to consult an immigration attorney if travel can not be avoided.
A few people from Loyola’s community have been directly impacted, but the order is something Wildes said affects all of us. It may take months for the administration to develop a clear policy of standards for entries into the US.
He went on to say that not only is the turning away of refugees in direct conflict with our Catholic, Jesuit values, but it is also contrary to our American ideals and constitutional rights as a free country that welcomes immigrants and does not discriminate on the basis of religion or national origin.
Wilde ended the release with a quote from Pope Francis.
“You cannot be a Christian without living like a Christian. You cannot be a Christian without practicing the Beatitudes. You cannot be a Christian without doing what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 25,” which is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and welcome the stranger. “It’s hypocrisy to call yourself a Christian and chase away a refugee or someone seeking help, someone who is hungry or thirsty, toss out someone who is in need of my help. If I say I am Christian but do these things, I’m a hypocrite.”
Michael Reimann • Jan 30, 2017 at 5:01 pm
It is also hypocrisy to not submit to the authorities placed above you, as the Bible commands. It says in Romans 13:1-7 “Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Rom 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Rom 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Rom 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Rom 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. ”
What Trump is doing is not unlawful, and does not go against anything the Bible teaches. Since God establishes all governments, according to Daniel 2:21, and we are commanded to submit to those governments based on the above scriptures, it goes against God to go against His chosen leader for this country.