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By Danette Clifton*
6:00 P.M. EDT June 29, 2011 | BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UMNS)
Participants in the first of four North Alabama (regional) Conference
Faithful Conversations about Alabama’s new immigration law meet in a
breakout session at Highlands United Methodist Church in downtown
Birmingham. UMNS photos by Danette Clifton.
View in Photo Gallery
More than 160 people gathered at Highlands United Methodist Church
downtown June 28 for the first of four planned North Alabama (regional)
Conference Faithful Conversations about the state’s new immigration law.
The law, which will take effect Sept. 1,
would require schools and businesses to use the federal government’s
E-Verify system to check the legal status of students and employees. It
also would allow police to arrest people suspected of being in the
country illegally if they were stopped for another reason and make it
illegal to shelter or transport illegal immigrants.
Clergy and laity from the North Alabama Conference participated
with Greater Birmingham Ministries and other interfaith groups in a June 25 march to protest the legislation.
As the Faithful Conversation began, the Rev. Matt Lacey, director of
mission and advocacy for the conference, spoke to a local television
news reporter. "This isn't a political issue for us,” he explained.
“It's not an economic issue. It's a religious issue. After the bill was
signed into law, a lot of ministers got together and said there are
certain elements of this law which we felt were going against the
gospel."
Bishop Will Willimon posted on his website June 13 an open letter to Alabama elected officials including the governor, a state senator and a state representative.
“The bill is an embarrassment to our state and does not represent
the spirit of hospitality of our churches,” Willimon wrote. “While I'm
confident that the bill will be overturned, I am proud that a number of
our Methodists -- those committed to evangelism and mission -- are
speaking up in the name of Christ to oppose this ill-conceived bill
that does nothing to help our state and does great harm to our sisters
and brothers.”
More than 160 people gather June 28 in the church sanctuary to share in
worship, prayer and discussion about Alabama’s immigration law.
View in Photo Gallery
Law ‘toughest in the country’
Lacey wrote June 12 on his blog
that “Alabama's new immigration law is called by proponents and
opponents as the toughest in the country; and after looking at the law
myself, undoubtedly it is.
“After looking at this law, keeping it in my prayers and discussing
it with others, I must confess that this law does not maintain our
values as a Christian community, much less as United Methodists,” Lacey
wrote.
As people gathered in the church sanctuary for the public
discussions, the evening began with worship and prayer, specifically
asking for God’s grace to guide their time together.
Anne Wheeler, a retired lawyer and active United Methodist, offered a
quick overview of the legislation and encouraged everyone to read the
full law. The legislation as signed by Gov. Robert Bentley is posted online.
Wheeler then talked about how specific people and organizations will
be affected by the law. She said public entities such as schools,
courts, law-enforcement and public agencies; employees of public
entities; legal residents of Alabama; and unlawful residents would feel
the impact. Wheeler also said groups are preparing to take legal
action against the law, which will take effect Sept. 1.
Before dividing into three breakout sessions, participants read
“Guidelines for Conversations” to set the tone for the evening. Those
guidelines noted the evening was not a time to debate, but rather, a
time to “engage in open, courteous conferencing about the bill.” The
guidelines encouraged participants to “participate with candor and
respect” and to “listen non-judgmentally.”
Participants then divided into three breakout groups.
Opportunities to learn, share
One group met with Lacey and the Rev. R.G. Lyons, pastor of Community Church without Walls, to discuss the open letter many North Alabama clergy signed
to be sent to the governor, legislators and local newspapers. Lacey
and Lyons were among the authors of the letter. Lyons explained that
the letter was not written to speak for the entire church, but,
instead, was written as a response from clergy who believe the new law
would threaten ministries of the church that provide food, clothing,
shelter and transportation to people. He said The United Methodist
Church does not check immigration status as a prerequisite to be part
of its ministries.
Another group was for those who wanted to learn more about the
specifics of the law. Immigration lawyer Matthew Penfield joined
Wheeler as they took questions from the crowd. The discussion covered
specific wording of the law, how the law connects to current legal
statutes and how courts might interpret the law from narrow to broader
interpretations.
A third group gathered in the fellowship hall to allow
conversation in small groups. Moderator Danny Jones guided the groups
in a one-hour discussion with questions asking why it was it important
to participants to attend the meeting, what concerns the issue raises,
and what Scripture, faith stories or faith traditions supported
viewpoints. Each participant had the opportunity to share stories,
concerns and ideas about how to respond in a responsible and
conscientious manner.
Similar discussions will take place throughout the summer in the North Alabama Conference including:
- July 18 in Huntsville;
- Aug. 22 in Tuscaloosa; and
- A date to be determined in the Southeast District.
*Clifton is director of communication for the North Alabama (regional) Conference.
News media contact: Maggie Hillery, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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