More vow to resist immigration reform
More vow to resist immigration reform

Staff Reports Comments 6
Published: November 17, 2007

Some members of Oklahoma's faith community continue to voice their opposition to the state's new immigration reform law.

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About HB 1804

House Bill 1804, most of which went into effect Nov. 1, ends most state benefits for illegal immigrants, makes it a felony to harbor or transport someone not here legally and will punish employers who hire undocumented workers.

On NewsOK.com: More on the state's immigration reform

Keyword: Immigration

The Rev. Lance Schmitz, a social justice minister with Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene, said more signed copies of a Pledge of Resistance are to be delivered to Gov. Brad Henry's office at noon Monday.

Schmitz co-wrote the pledge with Rex Friend, a Quaker and immigration attorney, as a way for faith community clergy and lay leaders to express their opposition to the law, which went into effect Nov. 1.

The pledge was adopted by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, whose leaders presented signed copies to Henry's office in the days before House Bill 1804 became law.

No other option

More than 1,000 members of the heavily Hispanic Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oklahoma City signed copies of the pledge.

Schmitz said Monday's presentation is an effort "by people of faith and conscience to continue to shed light on this law.”

He said the signed pledges come from various faith communities in Oklahoma and include a wide variety of Christian traditions as well as other religious faiths, including Judaism and Buddhism.

"We regret and grieve the direction that Oklahoma has taken with the advent of this immigration law,” Schmitz said in a prepared statement. "This law leaves us no other acceptable option in light of our faith, conscience and deepest values but to practice divine obedience to the higher law of love.”

Schmitz said clergy and laity are invited to meet on the state Capitol's south pavilion at 11:45 a.m. Monday before the signed pledges are presented.

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Related Topics: U.S. State Government, U.S. Government, Culture and Lifestyle, Domestic Policy, Social Policy, Political Policy, Politics, Social Issues, Religion, Christianity, Immigration Policy, Roman Catholicism, Immigration

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thank you all for your comments

lance, oklahoma city - Nov 20, 2007 at 9:12 pm

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I noticed a channel 9 reporter referred to the law last night as an "Anti-Immigration law". WTF? Why don't we just save everyone the time and effort and get it over with? Abolish insurance requirements for vehicles. Close all hospitals. No need for police or fire departments either - bulldoze those buildings. Heck, let's just abolish the need for laws in general. Not enforcing them anyway. And people wonder why Oklahoma quality of life is falling apart?

James, Oklahoma City - Nov 19, 2007 at 12:36 pm

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Obey the law of the land, or get out.

Jeff, Norman - Nov 19, 2007 at 12:19 pm

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I pray god that these subverters of the lords words pay the penalty for their treason to the gospel. It's to be expected the Catholic Church would take an immoral and materialistic reach for money and power. I exclude many Catholic members from the Catholic Churches plan for I know several who strongly disagee with the Church's policy on Illegal immigration. As to the other hodge podge of sudo travelers of the cloth they are nothing more than oportunist. I suggest these ignorant self proclaimed saviours of law breakers themselves are no less than law breakers and should be dealt with accordingly by law enforcement.

wayne, minden - Nov 17, 2007 at 9:25 pm

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Sean, let's talk about what Jesus said, what exactly did Jesus say about aliens and strangers? He did not utter the word alien (at least not in the NIV or NASB) and only mentioned the word stranger in Matthew 25. And in the context of that scripture he is talking about how records are being kept of how YOU treat strangers. NOT the government.

Duane, Stillwater - Nov 17, 2007 at 2:53 pm

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Funny. Way to funny. All those 'religious' leaders clearly do not understand or comprehend Jesus's teachings about taking care of gentiles or aliens of the world. So many Americans are ignorant of the fact that illegal immigrants are the backbone or the bottom of the pyramid when talking about American economy. It is clearly funny to stand up against immigration reform because 'it' is a backdoor to legalization to many illegal or 'it' costs Americans' taxes way too much. However, reason for going against was because 'you' want to conserve the American economy as it is now, I would definately understand where you are coming from. Thanksgiving is around the corner people! It is truly funny how people sometimes think only for themselves. You must look at the whole picture. So many Americans are falling for senators cheap tricks to conserve the American economy in an inhumane way. So please, give me a good reason why i should not go with immigration reform. Just tell me it's because of money and tell the world that! People will then understand. Otherwise, do what God had told you, Love one another as yourself. Plus, when you see an illegal immigrants or a 'suspect' of being an illegal immigrant, please thank them for your 5-6 figure salaries, house with back yard, car with navigation, and children with bring future. Look around people! What illegal immigrants are doing right now do more good than a harm. So does that mean that you should keep them the way it is? Desperate for future and money, they strive their lives so hard in order to even make a living. So i challenge you today that you stand up for immigration reform and realize that reasons for going agasint illegal immigratns is very trivial. Religious leaders who are ignorant of the bible and Jesus's teaching, please hit the bible and pray.

Sean, Maple Shade - Nov 17, 2007 at 8:48 am

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