Christians for Comprehensive Reform Views New Legislation Introduced by Rep. Luis Gutierrez as Step in Right Direction.

Contact: Jason Gedeik, Sojourners, (202) 230-2555, jgedeik@sojo.net

FOR MEDIA: Christian leaders and immigrant rights activists are available for comment.

WASHINGTON, DC – December 15, 2009 — Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CCIR), a national coalition of Christian organizations, churches, and leaders from across the theological and political spectrum today issued the following statement:

“In accordance with our principles as Christians in support of immigration reform, we affirm the key principles contained within the “Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security Act and Prosperity” (CIR A.S.A.P.) legislation introduced by U.S. Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL). The ‘CIR-ASAP’ bill addresses the complex issue of immigration reform in a truly comprehensive manner. Our Christian faith teaches us that there is an undeniable responsibility to love and show compassion for the stranger among us, and this legislation reflects that moral directive. Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform supports policy provisions that offer immigrants who are already in the United States the opportunity to earn their citizenship. The DREAM Act provision, which goes a long way to promote higher education for our nation’s talented immigrant youth is a necessary component of reform. Finally, we affirm family unity as the cornerstone of U. S. immigration policy. We look forward to working with Congress in the coming months on this issue which is at the very heart of our Christian conviction.”

Additional Support from Christian Leaders:

“The introduction of CIR-A.S.A.P. gives us what we need to move forward to make immigration reform a reality. Nearly all major Christian denominations have publicly called for comprehensive immigration reform. The time is now to fix our broken immigration system. CCIR will be working hard with others in the faith community to help lead a new national conversation on immigration policy that reflects the best of our values.”
- Rev. Jennifer Kottler, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Sojourners & spokesperson for Christians For Comprehensive Immigration Reform

“As a pastor, my heart is with many of the core principles Rep. Gutierrez is promoting. Protecting workers and families by building more responsive systems will enhance national security. Helping people, both the marginalized and the powerful, to do the right thing will build a greater nation.”
- Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Senior Pastor, Northland – A Church Distributed

"All across our nation, immigrant children and their families are enduring our current immigration policy which desperately needs to be fixed. I applaud and support Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez's efforts to clarify the key issues that need to be addressed in order to forge a new direction for our nation's immigration policy. Making this effort a priority will not only protect our families, but will strengthen our communities and nation as well."
- Noel Castellanos, CEO, Christian Community Development Association

“Representative Gutierrez's proposed legislation will serve as the facilitative platform for three primary outcomes; assimilation, security and justice. For the Hispanic community it provides the necessary legal framework for full integration into the collective canopy of the American Experience.”
- Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

“We applaud Congressman Gutierrez for striking the gavel on immigration this year. This legislation goes beyond the band-aid approach of enforcement-only measures of the past to bring real solutions to immigration reform that are real, humane and practical. The hearts of our immigrant peoples have been lifted and we are extremely thankful for this momentous day.”
- Pastor Mark Gonzales, President, Hispanic Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

“Comprehensive immigration reform is an urgent moral priority that honors our nation’s highest ideals and values. Catholic teaching calls us to ensure justice for all immigrants, and the United States has always been enriched by the hard work and cultural diversity of those seeking the American dream. Fixing a broken immigration system will help keep families together and provide an earned pathway to citizenship for those relegated to the shadows. The status quo is not an option. The time for action is now.”
- John Gehring, Media Director of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good

"Currently in communities across the US, mothers are hiding in their closets, afraid of being separated from their children. This does not reflect our best values as Americans. I applaud reform that will provide a path for our neighbors to legally participate in the country they love. It cannot come soon enough.”
- Crissy Brooks, Executive Director, Mika Community Development Corporation of Costa Mesa, CA

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Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform is a coalition of Christian organizations, churches, and leaders from across the theological and political spectrum, united in support of comprehensive U.S. immigration reform. We are working together to see fair and humane immigration reform enacted in Congress this year because we share a set of common moral and theological principles that compel us to love, care for, and seek justice for the stranger among us.

To read our Joint Statement of Principles, visit here or visit www.sojo.net/immigration and click “Our Statement.”

Sojourners’ mission is to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world. Visit www.sojo.net, and www.GodsPolitics.com.