AUSTIN, Texas — The Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) and Buckner International are partnering to create the first nationwide effort for local church-based ministries to help immigrants become U.S. citizens. Through their new Immigration Service and Aid Center, the two Baptist groups plan to help congregations across the country find training to start government-accredited immigration centers that help individuals become citizens.
The aid center will also help churches and individual leaders gain government accreditation. Accreditation enables churches to help immigrants prepare immigration forms and, under certain circumstances, represent them in court.
“The church has a biblical mandate to speak up on behalf of the alien and stranger in this country,” said Suzii Paynter, director of the BGCT’s Christian Life Commission. “We believe the best way to do this is through the proper legal channels set forth by the United States.” The announcement came June 25 during the Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas, the largest gathering of Hispanic Baptists in the United States.
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