By Katie Fuhs
Image: Photo courtesy of Katie Fuhs
Many Americans are asking, “Should the U.S. welcome refugees?” For Christians, this should be of little question. The Bible clearly calls us to care for the foreigner, the oppressed, the widow, and the orphan. God also calls us to love one another and celebrate diversity, as one unified body of Christ. The U.S. Church can play a significant role in advocating for our refugee brothers and sisters, and refugees can strengthen our churches.
However, according to Pew Research Data, a staggering 68% of white evangelical Protestants believe the U.S. does not have the responsibility to accept refugees. Data also shows that 25.4% of all U.S. citizens identify as Evangelical Protestant Christians. The Evangelical Church needs refugees in order to develop a richer understanding of scripture, learn how to suffer well, and be challenged to set aside presumptions and lean into our biblical callings as advocates for the oppressed.