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In the spirit of Christ’s deep love for all people, the Reformed Church in America has long recognized the biblical call to welcome the stranger. Scripture teaches that God has a special love for those who are “strangers within the gate.” From Genesis to Revelation, we see our faith ancestors on the move, in need of protection and hospitality, and how God uses the stranger in fulfilling his will. As God reaches out to heal and embrace the vulnerable, we are called to do the same. Matthew 25:35 reminds us that in welcoming the stranger, we welcome Christ himself. Whether it’s immigrants, refugees, or those seeking a new beginning, our communities become richer and more compassionate when we live out this calling.

At the heart of this call is the understanding that the biblical mandate to love our neighbors—regardless of nationality or citizenship—remains unchanged. We are called to offer hospitality, courage, and justice to the displaced, just as Christ did during his earthly ministry. This is not merely a political or social issue; it is a deeply spiritual one. The love of Christ compels us to ensure all people, documented or not, experience dignity and freedom from exploitation and fear. As churches, we are uniquely positioned to support and advocate for those in need, offering legal aid, housing, education, or simply a place at our tables.

“Rather than center our focus on politics, economics, or national security, we must center it on Christ,” says JJ TenClay, refugee ministries coordinator for RCA Global Mission. “If we believe we are called to bring the good news of God’s love to people worldwide, then we must also love them when they journey to new lands—whether voluntarily or fleeing threats. We are called to love those among us as though they are native-born. Now is the time to put this love into action, both as a denomination and as individuals proclaiming God’s reconciling love.

“I’ve heard countless stories from RCA pastors and congregations about how they’ve been blessed by refugees—often in unexpected ways,” says TenClay. “Welcoming refugees in Christ’s name has become an important part of our church’s ministry. If you’re not yet involved in caring for migrants, immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers, now is a great time to start. Reach out to me at jjtenclay@rca.org to explore opportunities.”

“This situation is personal for me,” shares general secretary Eddy Alemán. “In the mid-1980s, I arrived in Canada as a refugee from Nicaragua. I had to leave behind everything I knew to find safety. Later, I spent years planting churches and pastoring immigrant communities in California. I know how it feels to be a refugee living with the unknown of the future and the fear of deportation. I know what it means to pastor a community of faith living with fear and uncertainty about their future. 

“We, as followers of Jesus, must make welcoming the stranger a high priority,” Alemán continues. “I’ve spoken with many RCA leaders from RCA congregations, racial and ethnic councils, and commissions who share concern for immigrants and refugees. We in the Reformed Church in America are committed to embracing and welcoming the stranger and loving our neighbors.

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