sock puppet wrote: ↑Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:08 pm
Leviticus 19:33-34 (KJV): "And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." Though Joseph Smith specified many "corrections" to Leviticus 19, he did not change versus 33 and 34.
10 June 2011, LDS church issues an Official Statement on immigration, which includes:
As a matter of policy, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discourages its members from entering any country without legal documentation, and from deliberately overstaying legal travel visas.
What to do with the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants now residing in various states within the United States is the biggest challenge in the immigration debate. The bedrock moral issue for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is how we treat each other as children of God.
The history of mass expulsion or mistreatment of individuals or families is cause for concern especially where race, culture, or religion are involved. This should give pause to any policy that contemplates targeting any one group, particularly if that group comes mostly from one heritage.
That was 5 years before Trump's ascendancy on the national political stage, catapulted there by demagoguing the issue as right wing media had been doing since at least the early 2000s.
Now, 14 years later, and throughout Trump's immigration tyranny and now even setting up "Alligator Alcatraz" in the middle of the swamps in Florida, the LDS church is silent. It does not take the moral high ground as it once attempted to do in June 2011 on this issue. It fails miserably as compared to the Catholic Church, given the new pope's statements on the topic.
The "Brethren" as they are wont to be called just sit on their hands, not even wringing them anymore. What? Is the LDS church afraid Trump will "primary" the Mormon leadership amongst the members?
During the Obama Administration the use of Detention Facilities were common. 2.9 million people were deported during President Barack Obama’s first term, 1.9 million during Obama’s second term. There were detention centers scattered throughout the United States. Deportations undertaken during President Joe Biden’s term were around 1.49 million. During the Obama Administration the number of detention beds increased sharply. The Trump Administration has ramped it up because of the Open Borders policy of the Biden Administration.
Many of the migrants being sent to the new Everglades detention facility have already requested to return to their home countries, and officials expect their stays in the Florida facility to be relatively short. There is a natural barrier around the facility that acts as a barrier prohibiting escape. The facilities are air conditioned 24/7 and basic human needs are taken care of until deportation. And here's the thing...the folks that come to this facility have the opportunity to self deport even at the time they are being checked into the detention facility.
The LDS Church follows the law of the land. The law is being followed.
However, the Church has been clear as to its position on immigration and those affected by the current laws of the United States:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement Thursday reiterating that its approach to immigration issues is centered on love, law and family unity.
Church leaders shared those principles again in a letter to local church leaders in the United States as the nation grapples with securing its border and resetting its immigration and refugee policies.
“As disciples of Jesus Christ,” the church statement said, “the following principles guide the Church’s approach:”
“1. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints obeys the law.
“2. We follow Jesus Christ by loving our neighbors. The Savior taught that the meaning of “neighbor” includes all of God’s children.
“3. We seek to provide basic food and clothing, as our capacity allows, to those in need, regardless of their immigration status. We are especially concerned about keeping families together.”
https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/01/3 ... on-policy/
Senior leaders have also said:
“We are concerned about the complex challenges and hardships now faced by members who are undocumented immigrants living in the United States,” the letter stated. “In the current circumstances, many local church leaders have questions about how to legally assist undocumented immigrants in a manner that is both compassionate and consistent with the immigration laws of the United States.”
The reiterated principles and letter arrive after President Donald Trump signed 10 executive orders on immigration during the first week of his second term, according to ABC News.
https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/01/3 ... on-policy/
In regards to the law being followed the church has said:
“Until we learn of changes in the law, church officers should continue to follow the attached guidelines from the Office of General Counsel regarding such assistance,” the letter said. “Area Presidencies and Area Seventies should help stake presidents become aware of and adhere to these policies.”
https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/01/3 ... on-policy/
Guidelines for local leaders are:
Local leaders may use fast-offering funds to provide temporary assistance for essential needs like food, clothing and medical care, regardless of immigration status.
“If local leaders have reason to believe someone is undocumented and not authorized to work, they should avoid potential conflicts with federal law by avoiding or limiting housing assistance, not transporting the person outside the local community and not referring the person for employment.
“Leaders should not provide legal advice, testify in legal proceedings or sponsor immigration efforts.
“Leaders may refer families to community resources that address their immigration issues or help prepare them for possible separation in cases where family members may be deported.
“Church buildings and resources should not be used to help shield individuals from law enforcement.”
https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/01/3 ... on-policy/
The Church is not unaware of what is going on. It is working within the law. It is doing all that in can to help and provide for the safety of illegal immigrants within the requirements of the law.
I have a sister-in-law and her husband who are here in Utah from California doing a service mission in a local ward of Spanish speaking immigrants. They do everything they can under the guidelines to serve these children of God.
I'm not sure why you are lambasting the church in this instance. If you read the whole article it also presents some examples of when the church did say something in regards to particular actions being taken by the Trump Administration.
It wouldn't surprise me if they might have something to add to what they've already said and done...but they have spoken out quite a bit already.
As can be seen, the Obama Administration was not sitting on its hands. It deported people and had detention facilities all over the United States.
The Biden Administration created a mess. The Trump Administration is following the law and cleaning up the mess that was left. The Everglades Detention Facility is part of that ongoing effort.
How are things going there in the UK when it comes to immigrants and protecting national sovereignty?
Regards,
MG
