"...morally speaking, there is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings, that indifference to evil is worse than evil itself, that in a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible."

–Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

The first two words of the Lord’s Prayer are Our Father. These two words unite the whole of humanity. Any Christian who sincerely recites this prayer tacitly agrees that the “other” is, in essence, their brother or sister. If you see your brothers and sisters in distress and remain silent, you have used your voice to ignore their pain and legitimize their mistreatment. Bringing attention to injustice is the first step in ending injustice, yet we live in a society that punishes the truth tellers and defends the status quo.

The 25th Chapter of Saint Matthew (verses 35-46) is very clear as to how Christians are to treat those in need. The moment we intervene on behalf of the least of theses we have acted in accordance with the will of God. This scripture doesn’t require any sophisticated hermeneutic. The simplicity of Jesus’ parables renders the Hebrew and Greek pastors and theologians are taught in seminary useless. Christians are responsible for their neighbor. Our neighbors are all of humanity. 

The Trump administration’s reversal of their enforcement policy is proof that moral outrage can change policy. Christians have to get over politics and tribalism. The Kingdom doesn’t acknowledge imaginary lines drawn on maps. Sovereign nations have every right to protect their culture, languages, and traditions, but no nation can justly cage children like animals.

Immigration is a complicated issue. There is no economic incentive for Black communities to welcome an open door immigration policy, but no self respecting Black person can remain silent about the images that led to this policy reversal.

America is in love with herself in a way that is blasphemous. We have to stop elevating the flag over the cross. Christians have to stand up for the dignity of people. Human rights aren’t voted on; they aren’t given based on race or socioeconomic status. If America ever wants to be a Christian nation, Christians have to stop endorsing, defending, and ignoring immoral practices. We have a history we need to make a clean break from. Calling out morally reprehensible practices isn’t virtue signalling; it’s the right thing to do. Cowardly Christians are just as responsible for the evil they ignore as those committing the atrocities.