A Message of Faith and Compassion in the Context of Immigration
In McAllen, Texas, a small congregation at St. Mark United Methodist Church gathered for a Sunday morning service that carried a powerful message about faith, migration, and the role of the church in addressing contemporary social issues. The guest preacher, Alma Ruth, shared her insights on how faith should guide the way society approaches immigration, particularly in a time marked by division and uncertainty.
Ruth, a missionary in northern Mexico and founder of the nonprofit Practice Mercy Foundation, spoke to a group of approximately 65 attendees. Her sermon focused on biblical figures like Ruth, who was considered a foreigner, and emphasized the importance of seeing migration through the lens of faith. “Jesus was a refugee,” she reminded the audience, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding in the face of today’s challenges.
The message resonated deeply with Melanie Cruz, a 27-year-old whose father is American and mother is from Mexico. She described Ruth’s words as heartfelt and wise, noting that she had never experienced the realities that Ruth has witnessed firsthand. “I value that,” Cruz said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to hear such an authentic perspective.
During the 30-minute sermon, Ruth’s voice occasionally cracked, and she even shed tears as she recounted the stories of migrants and refugees she has encountered in Reynosa, Mexico, since her organization began its work in 2019. She spoke of the many individuals who carry Bibles in their backpacks, emphasizing that most of those they serve are people of faith. Her volunteers provide food, clothing, and emotional support to those living in shelters or along the Rio Grande, offering hope and encouragement in difficult times.
Despite the current lack of a clear pathway for asylum seekers under existing policies, Ruth and her team continue to advocate for compassion and dignity. “Tell the American church that we mean no harm,” she said, explaining that many immigrants want to work, protect their families, and build better lives. “That should make a difference for us.”
Pastor Joe Tognetti of St. Mark United Methodist Church explained that the guest sermon was part of their ongoing study series on faithful women in the Bible. He encourages his congregation to engage with social issues, especially those directly affecting their community. “The border is right there, you know, really right there,” he said, emphasizing the relevance of the topic.
Tognetti meets monthly with other local pastors to discuss immigration, often at the historic Jackson Ranch Church, which played a role in the Underground Railroad. “A lot of people eschew immigration because they think it’s too political or divisive,” he noted. “But it’s so relevant for us, and it’s a common theme in the scriptures.”
Ruth expressed that while she is not often invited to speak about immigration in U.S. border churches, she believes it should not be a divisive subject. “If you are a person of good conscience and you are a person of faith, this shouldn’t be a negative or a demonizing subject,” she said. She supports efforts to secure the border but opposes spending billions on a wall, advocating instead for a more compassionate approach to migration.
Doug Pagitt, executive director of Vote Common Good, highlighted a new free online toolkit designed to help churches and faith leaders address immigration-related issues, including how to deal with ICE raids and de-escalate conflicts. The toolkit includes training for church leaders and congregants, aiming to create supportive networks for immigrants.
While Ruth did not mention the church becoming a sanctuary space during her sermon, Tognetti emphasized the importance of being a better person and welcoming the foreigner. The congregation contributed donations to migrant shelters La Posada Providencia and Good Neighbor Settlement House, supporting those in need.
Ruth concluded her message with a powerful statement: “Immigration is a life or death conversation.” She urged the audience to reflect on how faith can transform lives and inspire action. “Our faith is transformative,” she said. “We have an invitation to make us better.”
