As the Utah state legislature considers reforming immigration policy with regards to illgeal imigrants (specifically, drivers licenses and in-state college tuition), Elder Marlin K. Jensen repeated the Church’s call for compassion when dealing with reforming immigrant policies:
An LDS Church leader on Wednesday urged Utah’s lawmakers to “take a step back” and hold a “spirit of compassion” as they consider a slate of bills aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration.
“Immigration questions are questions dealing with God’s children,” said Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “I believe a more thoughtful and factual, not to mention humane approach is warranted, and urge those responsible for enactment of Utah’s immigration policy to measure twice before they cut.” . . .“This is a human issue; it is a moral issue,” Wester said. “We must be involved.” . . .
Jensen said the LDS church has taken no position on any particular measure on the federal or state level.
“The current debate in our state Legislature is evidence of the very strong feelings that surround this issue,” Jensen said. He noted that LDS leaders had recently issued a “very sincere plea” to lawmakers to consider the issue with humanity and compassion. . .
“If there is a church that owes debt to the immigrant and the principal of immigration it is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” he said.
The Salt Lake Tribune adds that Elder Jensen spoke on assignment from the Church:
“I was assigned to come here by the First Presidency of the church,” he said, referring to the church’s three most senior leaders, including LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson.
Tags: immigration, Marlin K Jensen, mormon church policy, utah
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I don’t understand what is not compassionate about expecting people to respect the laws of our country? If they are here illegally then they should be returned home? The LDS church sets standards of who can enter the temple and be sealed as a family, they do not lower those standards just because they feel sad for a family where one member is not living up to the standards and causing the rest to suffer. I’m LDS and very conflicted by the church’s stance on this issue!
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I am grateful to be a member of the church and it continues to be reinforced with each year that passes. As a bi-racial and bi-cultural member of the church and raised in Utah, I have sadly witness a level of bigotry and class distinction among some members and even my own family members. I have been disheartened by the attempts to use religion and laws to justify personal weaknesses. It has driven to my knees quite a bit in my life and has caused me to question my own membership. However, the Lord has continued to touch me and strengthen my testimony. And I am still here.
I think we sometimes forget our own history; forget that even some of our early leaders died in hiding for not “respecting the laws of our country”. The intention was never to break the law, but to appease the Lord and live His law. And what is a father’s responsibility in the Lord’s eyes? Is it not to provide for his family? Do we not understand the pangs these fathers and mothers go through just to put food on the table? Have we been in their homes, walked on their dirt floors, listened to their stories? How do parents provide for their family under a broken and corrupt government? These are children of our Heavenly Father. We will be held responsible for how we treat them and we would do well to remember the example we learn from the Nephites when they would not turn anyone in need away. Let us further remember the Nephites when they stepped on the slippery slope of class distinction and forgot compassion. The Lord is doing His pruning. If we question the priorities of compassion and the welfare of his children, He will cease to be with us and snip us off.
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The issue of illegal immigration is of course very sensitive and emotional. Frequently with such issues, it is very common for both sides to trivialize and misrepresent the views of the other. This is unfortunate. Few on the right are racially motivated and want all illegal immigrants deported. Not all who have come into this country illegally are a burden upon the economy or the society.
The members of the LDS church span the political spectrum. That is one of the great and wonderful things about it! The members, as a rule are not led one way or another politically. Eternal truth is taught but we are left to choose for ourselves. Each is encouraged to educate himself, to pray for the country and for wise leaders, and to uphold the laws of the land. Members are encouraged to vote, but not to vote one way or another. What bothers me is that, on the surface, this action by Elder Jensen apparently breaks that trend.
First of all, I must admit that I am not as educated on this topic as I would like to be. I’ve read the articles and the quotes, heard the pundits, but I don’t know all of the facts. On the surface, however, this is very puzzling to me. Elder Jensen said that he was sent on behalf of the First Presidency. Does that mean that they sent him to say what he said? It is clear what his position was. Elder Jensen was encouraging the legislators (mostly members of the LDS church) not to vote for the bill. As I said, I don’t know all of the facts, but on the surface that move seems like the same kind of cheap trick that infuriated our neighbors in Missouri, and Nauvoo. No church should use its influence to affect its members who might happen to serve in politics. I hope that’s not what happened.
Of course, in the 90’s the Church did fight bills that were supporting same-sex marriage, but they did that though a campaign that sought to educate people - not to directly affect how political representatives vote.
I write this with all sincerity. I am perplexed by this move. I hope that the leaders of the Church were not trying to influence the political process. Separation of Church and State is one of the foundational principles of this country. I’ll be honest - if that is what they did - my faith will be tested. But then again Joseph Smith did some stuff in Kirtland that tested the faith of nearly everyone at the time. I hope and pray I can be one of the strong ones.
Elder Jensen, I need some clarification. Please!
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