The ELCA dismisses the danger of doing this, despite the fact that at least one refugee participated in the recent terrorist attack in Paris.
They say God would want us to take in the refugees. Yet they would never recommend sending troops into Syria to help the thousands upon thousands of people still there--being enslaved, raped and slaughtered. I guess God (of their making) doesn't care as much for those who are in Syria, living under constant danger, oppression and persecution.
They talk as if Christians are obligated to relocate the refugees to America. But helping the poor can come in many forms. Moving refugees to America is not the only option. The Good Samaritan did not bring the poor, injured man to his home. He paid for his care and housing elsewhere. And it was good.
They say we need to bring the refugees here, but they don’t tell you that these refugees are living safely in Europe and are in no danger.
The ELCA says the refugees will be thoroughly vetted, but we all know that that is nearly impossible. And many national security experts have agreed.
The ELCA bishop even says that most of the refugees will be women and children, but 70% of the refugees are healthy young men who are capable of fighting for their homeland. Very few are women and children.
Let’s think about this for a minute. Besides the danger that some refugees will no doubt have an allegiance to radical Islam and a desire to kill as many Americans as they can, what about the Muslim refugees who are not terrorists but want Muslim law to rule the land in which they reside? (You know, cutting off the hand of thieves, women must be covered and killing homosexuals.) What about the way most Muslims view and treat women, like possessions, pieces of property with no rights? What about the Muslim view that Islam is superior to all other religions and that Muslims must hold power over others of differing religions for the sake of their god? What about the hatred of Jews, honor killings, female genital mutilation, molestation of young girls and boys that is rampant in the countries from where the refugees come? The ELCA wants to bring this to our country?
Maybe the United States, who already takes in 20% of the world’s immigrants (stat from this article) can help the refugees by giving food, clothing and financial help as they make a new life in the European country in which they now reside, safe and sound. That sounds like a loving and WISE response to the refugee situation.
Here are quotes from the ELCA leadership pressing for the settlement of the refugees in the United States:
- “… we are concerned for and committed to standing with our Muslim neighbors who are facing threats and acts of discrimination and hate by those who conflate Islam with terrorism.”
“We support 'a generous policy of welcome for refugees and immigrants' and 'will advocate for just immigration policies, in visa regulations and in admitting and protecting refugees.” - Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (see here)
- “As global tensions increase I also pledge to write a letter each week to our representatives in Congress and to President Obama…I will also ask for serious consideration of the dignity & humanity of the Syrian refugees seeking resettlement in our country. I invite you to join me in these faith practices.” - Bishop Patricia Lull of the ELCA’s Saint Paul Area Synod (see here)
- “Call on your Governor to accept Syrian refugees in your state. Sadly, the number of Governors stating they will ban Syrian resettlement continues to grow.
Call the offices or write to your Members of Congress and let them know that you stand for welcome for Syrian refugees. Urge them to oppose any Congressional action that would limit vulnerable Syrian refugees' access to protection.” - Brittney Nystrom, Director for Advocacy Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) posted by ELCA Advocacy (see here)
- "We are writing to encourage you to join those who are willing to welcome refugees from Syria." - Bishop Michael Burk - Southeastern Iowa Synod – ELCA
Bishop Steven Ullestad - Northeastern Iowa Synod - ELCA
Bishop Rodger Prois - Western Iowa Synod - ELCA (see here)