Mormons and Immigration

Yesterday, I stumbled upon a Deseret News editorial published a few weeks ago that addressed the illegal immigration issue in a remarkably well-reasoned way. After publishing a series of special reports on the subject, and attempting to consider the issue from all sides of the debate, the Deseret News editorial board shared their opinions, which included this conclusion:

"We encourage all Utahns to take the time to learn and ponder. We don't need to follow anyone else's lead. We can lead out in thoughtfulness, creativity, comprehensiveness and compassion. Others have left a remarkable legacy for us. Let us leave a legacy for those who follow that will stand the test of time and that will reflect and honor the sacrifices of those who preceded us.
At the end of the day, what we do about immigration will say more about "us" than it will about "them." We need to find a way so that they, and we, are one."

 Reflecting on Utah's history, the editorial points out that all Utahns, regardless of their religious background, share the heritage of Mormon pioneers who immigrated to Utah from other states and nations at great personal sacrifice, seeking a better life for themselves and their families.

"Therefore, we, of all people, should be sensitive to the desire of others to provide more opportunities for themselves and their families. We, of all people, should take the time to learn to love our neighbors, rather than allowing the fact that they are different to cause us to want to drive them from our midst. We, of all people, should set a higher standard of concern, compassion and love. Except for Native Americans, we are all here because of immigration. Common decency, and gratitude for what we have, should cause us to embrace those who have a desire to share in and add to what is already here."

 The editorial recognizes that immigration is a complex issue, requiring a consideration of many factors, not just a knee-jerk reaction calling for deportation of all illegals. The Deseret News is, of course, owned by the LDS Church, so one would expect its views to reflect those of its sponsoring institution. Indeed, church leaders have made similar statements in the past. In February 2008, Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy said:

"Immigration questions are questions dealing with God's children. 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."

 In making the statement, Elder Jensen made it clear that this was not just his view. "I was assigned to come here by the First Presidency of the Church," he said.

Last month, the Church's First Presidency issued a statement that repeated pleas made in the past for compassion and careful reflection on the issue of immigration. The statement includes this language:

"Finding a successful resolution will require the best thinking and goodwill of all across the political spectrum, the highest levels of statesmanship, and the strongest desire to do what is best for all of God’s children."

 It is clear that many Mormons either haven't listened to the Church's official statements, or have chosen to ignore them. The latest Deseret News editorial elicited many angry responses. Russell Pearce, sponsor of Arizona's well-known anti-immigrant legislation, is a Mormon, and has been outspoken in his call for strict enforcement of immigration laws and his rejection of the need for compassion in dealing with immigrants. Sadly, many Mormons agree with him. Here is one view of Pearce's positions. Pearce's involvement in the immigration debates has had a negative effect on the LDS Church's efforts in Hispanic communities, with many immigrants wrongly assuming his views reflect those of the Church. I wrote to Pearce, asking him how he felt about taking positions that bring shame and damage to his church. He acknowledged that he does not speak for the church, but gave no indication that he had ever publicly made that clear. He was completely unapologetic about his total lack of compassion or careful reflection on the immigration issue. He said: "The only shame comes from members who think our Church is above the law.  WE are commanded to obey the law.  Members who break the law or promote lawlessness are those I believe bring shame."

The LDS Church has tried, through repeated statements by church leaders and through editorials in its own newspaper, to emphasize the need for compassionate, well-reasoned, careful consideration of immigration issues. Meanwhile, many LDS Church members urge a hateful, "illegal is illegal" approach, requiring immediate deportation of all illegals. Unfortunately, many people both inside and outside the Mormon church view the latter as the official position of the church. Clearly, the LDS Church gets it. When will its members get it? When will they come to realize how much their hatred and bigotry is hurting not only immigrants but also their own church?