The statement has the full support of the Lake Union Multicultural Ministries department. "We want our Hispanic members to know that the Lake Union Multicultural Department is supportive of our Hispanic community," said Lake Union Vice President, Carmelo Mercado.

August 24, 2019

NAD issues statement expressing concern and support for Hispanics in North America

In light of the fear many Hispanics are experiencing is the U.S. because of events and policies, the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists...

In light of the fear many Hispanics are experiencing is the U.S. because of events and policies, the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Hispanic leadership released a statement that expresses concern and support for Hispanics in North America.

The statement, released Wednesday, has the full support of the Lake Union Multicultural Ministries department. "We want our Hispanic members to know that the Lake Union Multicultural Department is supportive of our Hispanic community and is looking for ways in which we can express our support in practical ways that demonstrate the Biblical command to love our neighbor, regardless of race, nationality or documented status," said Lake Union Vice President, Carmelo Mercado.

He continued, "The NAD statement was created to address the real fears that are currently felt by many Hispanics in the U.S. The rising statements and actions that threaten family unity and deportation have resulted in Hispanics making themselves less visible in the marketplace and, as a result, merchants are suffering real losses in businesses. The real threat of family separation have resulted in parents making arrangements to care for their children in the event authorities come to their place of work to arrest them. Hispanics are feeling more unsafe and more of them feel they must save as much money as possible so that they can ultimately move outside of the U.S. to where they can feel more secure.

"In light of these realities, the statement was issue to reject the negative social atmosphere that has risen against Hispanics and to let Hispanics know that we care for them and that we are praying for God to give wisdom on how we can best support our people in these trying times."

 

The full NAD statement reads:

Whereas
many Latino immigrants in the United States feel fear and anguish over events that have taken place recently;

Whereas
the Bible teaches us to love our neighbor regardless of race or nationality (John 17: 21-23, John 13:34), which God has made all mankind with one blood (Acts 17:26), all deserving of same respect and consideration;

Whereas
the church has a moral responsibility to take care of the disadvantaged (Leviticus 23:22) and denounce oppression, abuse or mistreatment in any form (Psalm 82: 3-4; Isaiah 1:17);

The Hispanic leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, declare our determination to: condemn racism in all its forms, especially when expressed in violence, reject practices that instill humiliation and fear in people's hearts, and inspire our church members and neighbors to create an atmosphere of acceptance in our communities, longing for and waiting for the day when the Creator of all human beings establishes his ultimate kingdom of eternal peace and freedom.

Considerando que,
muchos inmigrantes latinoamericanos en los Estados Unidos, sienten temor y angustia por sucesos recientes;
Considerando que,
la Biblia nos enseña a amar al prójimo sin importar su raza o nacionalidad (Juan 17:21-23, Juan 13:34), que Dios ha hecho a toda la humanidad de una sola sangre (Hechos 17:26), merecedores todos del mismo respeto y consideración;
Considerando que,
la iglesia tiene la responsabilidad moral de cuidar del desfavorecido (Levítico 23:22) y denunciar la opresión, el abuso o el maltrato en cualquier forma (Salmo 82:3-4; Isaías 1:17);
El liderazgo hispano de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día en Norteamérica, declaramos nuestra determinación a:
condenar el racismo en todas sus formas, especialmente cuando se lo expresa en violencia, rechazar las prácticas que inspiran humillación y temor en el corazón de las personas, e inspirar a nuestros miembros de iglesia y vecinos a crear un ambiente de aceptación en nuestras comunidades, anhelando y esperando el día en que el Creador de todos los seres humanos establezca su reino definitivo de paz y libertad eternas.