In the early days of the Christian church, believers in the Messiah were predominantly Jews.  The conversion of Cornelius at the leading of Peter, and Paul’s subsequent call to minister to the Gentiles sent shock-waves through this nascent movement.

Debates broke out about the wisdom and appropriateness of sharing this truth with “unclean” people.  Regardless of position, it was clear that the Gentiles wanted the liberation and freedom that the message of the Christ offered.

So, the debate transitioned to demands that would be made of these converts.  Some proclaimed that only through circumcision could Gentile believers be saved.  In addition, they had to keep the Torah laws to ensure their adherence to the Jewish way of life.

Peter spoke through all of that.  He said, “God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.”

God, through His infinite grace and mercy, embraced the Gentile believer.  He did not place unnecessary restrictions upon them.  He accepted them as they were.

Why, if God could be so graceful in His encompassing believers into His kingdom, do we so often insist that immigrants be homogenized?

I hear all the time people make statements about how immigrants to our country must assimilate to our way of life, learn our language, and accept our customs and mores.

If God did not require that of newcomers to His kingdom, why would we require that of ours?

Immigration is the hot topic these days across America.  I believe there is a solution to the problem.  And, of course, illegal immigration is a problem.  Criminalizing people, including religious leaders offering aid, is not a solution.

John McCain and Edward Kennedy have proposed a bill that would combine a guest-worker program with provisions allowing illegal immigrants to apply for citizenship after paying fines and back taxes, undergoing criminal background checks and learning English.

Although, I don’t feel that learning English is necessary, this bill is a step in the right direction.   Immigrants are, above all, precious children of God.  They are aliens and strangers in a world that is often hostile to them.  We can curb illegal immigration while still be open and receptive to those that are looking for hope in this country.

We can “protect our borders” and curb illegal immigration without unnecessarily ostracizing and criminalizing people who desire freedom.  No need for circumcision.  Let there be no distinction.