Learn to welcome stranger in our midst

As a new year approaches I hope our leaders will take up the issue of serious immigration reform. As the husband of a Sicilian immigrant, I am so grateful that my wife's grandfather was able to come to this country before strict immigration laws were enacted, thus enabling my wife and her family to arrive many years later.

Not only my life has been immeasurably enriched by her presence, but the members of her family who have come to this country over the years have contributed to our society in countless ways.

I realize there are thorny legal and ethical issues involved in any attempt at reform. However, as a Christian, I remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

I feel called, therefore, to make a place for those who are different from myself. By the way, the word translated “stranger” forms the root of our word “xenophobia” — the fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners. I hope we will not succumb to fear, and learn instead to welcome the stranger in our midst.

Paris Donehoo, Senior Pastor

Elgin First Congregational Church