According to Christianity Today, leaders from the And Campaign and World Relief gathered in Oakland during a recent Big Tent Convening to address the intersection of Christian faith, political engagement, and immigration policy. The panel discussion featured Chris Butler of the And Campaign and Liliana Reza of World Relief, who participated in a conversation moderated by Christianity Today editor Haleluya Hadero.
The event focused on the current national discourse surrounding immigration, specifically the impact of recent deportation initiatives initiated by the administration of President Donald Trump. The participants examined how religious organizations and individual believers should respond to these government actions while maintaining a commitment to the protection of human dignity.
Chris Butler emphasized the necessity for Christians to participate in political processes while remaining rooted in their religious principles. He suggested that the church has a responsibility to advocate for policies that reflect a consistent moral framework rather than aligning exclusively with a single political party.
Liliana Reza provided insight into the practical challenges facing immigrant communities and the humanitarian work being conducted by World Relief. She stated, “Christians must prioritize the inherent value of every person in our policy discussions.”
The discussion also touched upon the historical role of the church in providing sanctuary and social services to displaced populations. The speakers evaluated how contemporary political rhetoric influences the ability of faith-based organizations to provide assistance to vulnerable individuals. The panelists identified a need for increased cooperation between local congregations and national advocacy groups to address the logistical and legal hurdles associated with current immigration enforcement measures.
The session concluded with an examination of how congregations can remain unified despite differing perspectives on national border security and immigration reform. The speakers encouraged attendees to prioritize long-term community engagement over immediate political reactions.
Christianity Today plans to release additional footage and summaries from the Big Tent Convening throughout the remainder of the month. Further discussions regarding the role of the church in national policy are scheduled to continue at upcoming regional events hosted by the organization in early 2027.
Source: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/10/affirming-human-dignity-across-the-board/