May 15, 2006

LOS ANGELES – The Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson, Moderator of the world's largest predominantly gay Christian denomination, today expressed outrage at plans by U.S. President George Bush to deploy 6000 National Guard troops along the Mexican border.

"The President's proposal is wrongheaded," said Rev. Wilson. "It sends a message to all who seek entry into the U.S. that only those who have power and wealth can gain legal access to this nation."

"We would do well to remember the words of Jesus, who said, "Whoever does this to one of the least of these, has done it to me." Every society will be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members."

"Criminalizing those who are risking their lives to provide for their families is not a family value," added Rev. Wilson.

"I strongly oppose any plan that would uproot 6000 men and women from their careers and families in order to help patrol the border between Mexico and the U.S. That's not the solution, and the answer is not to be found in White House plans to build more detention centers for undocumented migrants who are arrested."

"This sends exactly the wrong message about democracy and equality. It's a message at odds with U.S. history and ideals, which are far better exemplified by the statue in New York's harbor that proclaims, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free." And now the President' s proposal says to those same people, "We will detain you and use our military to arrest you,'" said Rev. Wilson, a long-time social justice activist. "And let's face it: Any answer to immigration that evokes imagery of the militarized Berlin Wall falls far, far short of democratic ideals."

Responding to President Bush's statement that "We will fix the problems created by illegal immigration and we will deliver a system that is secure, orderly and fair," Rev. Elder Nori Rost, of the MCC Global Justice Team said, "The problems are not created by undocumented migrants. They are created by the economic policies of the U.S. government."

Rev. Rost suggested, "Rather than using $1.9 billion to support such a massive deployment, there would be a far greater return for the people of both countries if those monies were invested in partnership with Mexico to address urgent needs in the Mexican economy."

"I'm afraid this scheme may be much more about attempting to boost the President's falling approval ratings," said Rev. Wilson, "and in the process, undocumented migrants and those employers who rely on them are pawns in a political game of chess."

Metropolitan Community Churches is calling on communities of faith to voice their protest at this proposal through writing their elected officials and holding prayer vigils and rallies. "We encourage all people of faith and goodwill to urge the U.S. government to seek compassionate solutions," said MCC's Rev. Wilson.

With local congregations in 26 countries, Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) is the world's largest Christian denomination with a primary, affirming ministry to lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons. For more information on MCC's international ministry, visit http://www.mccchurch.org/.

Metropolitan Community Churches