Part 5: Families

Special Focus: Family, Government, and the Church

• The Sacredness of Family: Family is the primary community institution established by God. In Scripture, a clear "hierarchy of love" places a high priority on preserving the family unit. The separation of immigrant families should be an exceedingly rare exception (e.g., severe danger/abuse) rather than a normative policy.

• The Mission Field at Home: Most immigrants arriving in the U.S. identify as Christians, many fleeing global religious persecution. For those who are not believers, their arrival represents a profound evangelistic opportunity under the Great Commission.

• Role of Government: Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 establish that civil governments are instituted by God to maintain order, protect citizens, and punish evil. The biblical norm is to submit to the law. However, if a human law mandates something directly immoral or violates God’s commands, believers are called to graciously, nonviolently stand against it