Comments on: Immigration and the Church

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 23:18:07 +0000

I think valid points for both sides (staying or immigrating) are made. Here is another point to consider: My wife grew up in Oklahoma (not a large church presence), and she has told me that she is SO glad that she grew up away from a lot of members so as to have more opportunities to share the gospel. She feels like she grew more that way.

I think you can develop spiritually in different environments equally as well, and the Church does have a valid point in wanting to have members “out there” growing things.

As far as marriage in concerned, why not strike a compromise? Stay non-immigrated, and when the young ones grow old enough, send them to Utah for school!

By: Trix_Rabbit

Trix_Rabbit — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 08:32:55 +0000

As a newly appointed Branch President over a Spanish-speaking branch, I have come to learn that the policy of the Church seems to be none other than “Don’t ask – don’t tell.”

By: Mark IV

Mark IV — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 14:14:08 +0000

In one ward where I was a member of the Bishopric, illegal members who were otherwise worthy were denied temple recommends

Craig S., that is an outrage, and flagrantly contradicts instructions from SLC. I have seen at least two priesthood bulletins addresses to leaders instructing us NOT to interpret their illegal status as a disqualification for a recommend. Your SP was very definitely way, way out of line.

By: don

don — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 23:55:24 +0000

Oh, and I’d do it in spite of the church’s “policy” or “recommendation”. My family is more important to me than making sure my local branch is strong.

Fortunately for the church there are better/stronger member than me and they stay put and build up the church.

By: don

don — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 23:51:12 +0000

Elbow, If staying in your own country to build up the church is a good idea what about the individual’s eternal perspective? Do I stay and take the likely chance my son or daughter will marry outside the church. Do I stay and have my children grow up with 99% non-member friends. Do I stay and have my son or daughter be the only deacon, or mia-maid? Or do I immigrate and give them a chance to marry in the church, associate with members and have real quorum and class activities.

I think I would choose to immigrate, if I could.

By: Elbow

Elbow — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 21:25:59 +0000

I would say that it is really important for these individuals to stay in their country and work on making where they live a better place.
I know that seems idealistic, but what good will it do the nations of the world to only have hard working and proactive citizens all in the U.S. Every country needs to have this kind of support.
At the same time I realize that it’s not easy to be in a place that you don’t feel safe and comfortable, so I can see thier argument as well.

By: N. Tolman

N. Tolman — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 19:52:29 +0000

I think the church policy (stay in your own country) comes by way of advice, not by commandment. It’s somehing any member sould serious concider before they move to the States, but is not binding in an eternal sense.

By: Mark B.

Mark B. — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 18:46:25 +0000

That’s right, arJ!

The main thing is, don’t get caught!

By: a random John

a random John — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 17:12:37 +0000

So if I speed and don’t get a ticket I’m ok? By the same reasoning if I’m illegal and don’t get caught I’m also ok, right?

By: Bret

Bret — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 11:11:57 +0000

YOU got a speeding ticket and you STILL go to the temple?! You bad bad man…