Archives and Letters

November, 2006
LETTER TO OUR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP- IMMIGRATION REFORM

Dear President Bush and Members of Congress:

We are writing to you as non-partisan Evangelical leaders and churches who are concerned about the issue of immigration in the United States. We urge you to support comprehensive immigration reform. The current state of immigration in this country is a complex situation, which requires a workable solution beyond increasing enforcement mechanisms.

We support comprehensive immigration reform, based on Biblical mandates, our Christian faith and values, and our commitment to civil and human rights. We value immigrants as human beings, made in the image of God. We are aware of the obstacles that immigrants face, especially undocumented individuals, because they are vital members of our churches, our communities, and our nation. Evangelical immigrants are a continuously growing part of our churches.

God requires that we show love and compassion to aliens. In Deuteronomy 10:18–19, we learn that “[God] defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.” Leviticus 19:33-34 teaches us, “when an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

We are deeply concerned with the possibility of some anti-immigrant provisions being included in legislation that could pass in Congress this year. Instead, we encourage Congress and the Administration to enact comprehensive immigration reform that includes the following principles.

• Reforms in our family-based immigration system to significantly reduce waiting times for separated families who currently wait many years to be reunited;
• The creation of more responsive legal avenues for workers and their families who wish to migrate to the U.S. to enter our country and work in a safe, legal, and orderly manner that prevents their exploitation and assures them due process;
• The option for those individuals and families who are already living in the U.S. and working hard, to apply for permanent legal status and citizenship if they choose to do so, by meeting specific application criteria; and
• Border protection policies that are consistent with humanitarian values and with the need to treat all individuals with respect, while allowing the authorities to carry out the critical task of enforcing our laws.

Thank you for your consideration of these important principles. Sincerely,
Samuel Rodriguez, President, NHCLC
David Neff, Editor and Vice-President, Christianity Today
Rev. Ron Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action
Ann Buwalda, Esq, Director, Jubilee Campaign USA
Jim Wallis, Executive Director, Sojourners
Rev. Dr. Clive Calver, Senior Pastor, Walnut Hill Community Church, Former President, World Relief

Rev. Ted Haggard Resigns as President of the National Association of Evangelicals

Rev. Ted Haggard, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, and Senior Board Advisor to our organization, resigned yesterday as a result of serious allegations made against him. The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, which is the National Hispanic Association of Evangelicals, serving approximately 15 Million Latino Born Again Christians, hereby commits to earnestly pray for Rev. Ted Haggard, The New Life Church Community and The National Association of Evangelicals. As the Latino Sister organization of the NAE and as a member organization of such body, we call upon all Christians to join us as we pray for restoration and healing for all those affected by the recent occurrences in Colorado.

In respect to the Latino Evangelical Church, Rev. Haggard has been instrumental in engaging this constituency and threading the collective narrative of this church simultaneously reflecting its diversity and strength. History will record the invaluable services rendered by Pastor Haggard to the Evangelical Church. We are grateful and appreciate his many years of great leadership.

These difficult times provide an opportunity to once again recognize the stark reality of the power of sin, and acknowledge that we are all capable of grievous moral failures. Moreover, we believe that the Bible holds Christian leaders to higher levels of accountability. Correspondingly, we believe that as we call upon our leaders to live above reproach, the redemptive and restorative power of Jesus is sufficient for all who fall short.

The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference stands by Ted, Gayle and their children while simultaneously standing by our sister organization the National Association of Evangelicals and the entire Christian community as we weather the storm and witness the transformative power of the Gospel in action.

Dear President Bush and Members of Congress:

The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) is the National Hispanic Association of Evangelicals. The NHCLC is committed to serve approximately 15 Million Evangelical/Born Again Christians in issues that pertain to the family, immigration, economic mobility, education, political empowerment, and societal transformation. The recent developments in the Middle East once again require the oracles of righteousness and justice to arise. The recent turmoil in Lebanon and constant barrage of threats from the Iranian and Syrian governments, in addition to the unbridled determination of Hezbollah to destroy Israel, demand that people of faith around the world stand up and demonstrate support for the nation of Israel.

The Hispanic Church in America calls upon President George W. Bush and members of Congress to demonstrate solidarity with our most reliable ally in the region and call for the immediate and complete disarmament of Hezbollah. In addition, the Hispanic Evangelical Church is similarly committed and encourages Latino Christians to financially and prayerfully support the rebuilding of a Lebanon free from Hezbollah, Syrian and Iranian incursions. We pray for Peace in the Middle East and for God to provide the wisdom and strength to defeat the forces of hatred and extremism.

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez Jr.
President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

Throughout our history, America has been a land of diversity and has benefited from the contributions of people of different backgrounds brought together by a love of liberty. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the achievements of Hispanic Americans and the significant role they have played in making our Nation strong, prosperous, and free.

The contributions of Hispanic Americans have made a positive impact on every part of our society. Americans of Hispanic descent are astronauts and athletes, doctors and teachers, lawyers and scientists. The vibrancy of our Nation's Hispanic performers enriches music, dancing, and the arts. Hispanic Americans serve at every level of government, including as Attorney General of the United States and Secretary of Commerce. Latino entrepreneurs are starting and growing businesses all across America, creating jobs and opportunities. The hard work and determination of Hispanic Americans continue to inspire all those who dream of a better life for themselves and their families.

Our Nation's Hispanic community has contributed to the advance of freedom abroad and to the defense of freedom at home. In every generation, Hispanic Americans have served valiantly in the United States military. Today there are more than 200,000 Hispanic Americans serving in the Armed Forces, and our Nation is grateful for their courage and sacrifice. In addition, thousands of Hispanic Americans are helping to defend and protect our homeland by serving as police officers and firefighters. All Americans are thankful for their daily work in helping to keep our Nation safe.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we join together to recognize the proud history and rich culture of Hispanic Americans. To honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans, the Congress, by Public Law 100 402, as amended, has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15 as "National Hispanic Heritage Month."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2005, as National Hispanic Heritage Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

MAY, 2005
Muy Estimado Hermano,

En los últimos años NHCLC y 3 DBN han trabajado arduamente para ser conocidos como un movimiento integro con un mensaje ungido. En nuestro corazón ardía un sentir mutuo de que;"lo mejor esta por venir!"

En el principio de este año el Dios de los Cielos puso en mi corazón que es tiempo que NHCLC y 3 DBN proclamen que el día ya llego. Este es el año en el cual la iglesia hará una explosión. No les tengo que recordar que con la venida del Espíritu Santo llego el "dunamis," que es dinamita, poder! Nosotros Sus siervos estamos ya revestidos del poder de lo alto por lo cual, aptos para llevar acabo esta explosión

El Señor me dio unos textos para que compartiera con ustedes:
Esto dice el Santo, el Verdadero, el que abre y nadie puede cerrar, el que cierra y nadie puede abrir. Conozco tus obras. Mira que delante de ti he dejado abierta una puerta que nadie puede cerrar.. (Rev. 3:7-8)

Este es el año de explosión y oportunidad. No podemos esperar que algunas cosas sucedan tenemos que aprovechar la oportunidad y hacer que las cosas sucedan. En otras palabras ya no es el tiempo de predicar avivamiento es el tiempo de vivir en avivamiento!

Este es el tiempo de explosión, oportunidad y fe. La puerta que esta ante de nosotros nadie no la puede cerrar. Ni el diablo y sus demonios podrán cerrar lo que Dios ha abierto para los que en Él creen.

Es necesario que comparta lo siguiente con ustedes; Lo único que puede detener esta explosión, somos nosotros mismos, si permitimos que nos falte la fe!

El que tiene oído oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a Su iglesia.

Sirviéndoles,
Rev. Felix R. Posos
NHCLC Chairman