Are The Memories Of Men So Short?

This post is probably going to strike a chord on some level with lots of people, but its target are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a member of that organization, I've noticed something that disturbs me on Facebook over the past few days.

There has recently been a lot of talk in the news related to the idea that the United States might be welcoming refugees fleeing from violence in their home countries in the Middle East. There have even been some people who have suggested, through protest or actual attempts at legislation, that we take measures to keep them out. And the reaction of many people who I know for a fact are active participants in the church has ranged from a 'like' on Facebook to a lengthy tirade in favor of the motion.

To put some context on that, as I was sitting in sacrament meeting in my local ward just yesterday, a member of our bishopric stood and shared a letter that had been sent from the offices of the First Presidency. That means that this letter was intended as a clarification of the church's position as it relates to current circumstances. It's a fairly common practice. The letter that they read was abundantly clear in stating that the church is doing everything it can to help these refugees in whatever country they've thus far ended up. We, as members, were encouraged to look for opportunities to render aid to these victims of tragic circumstances.

I feel really rather confident in saying that would include welcoming them if they come to our neck of the woods seeking refuge.

The full letter is really quite short and to anyone who is a member of the church and has an LDS.org account, it can be read in its entirety here. What concerns me greatly is that there are likely people, people that I know are not absolute jerks, who are right now clicking 'like' on a post that flies directly in the face of the doctrine of Christ. It was our Savior who said "love one another as I have loved you." Do you honestly believe that he would have looked at millions of innocent people fleeing a horrific and violent life and said "no, sorry"? Would the Savior of mankind have turned these refugees aside? Would he, who forgave the gentiles THAT NAILED HIM TO A CROSS, require these refugees to pass a religious test before he welcomed them in?

NO.

And under no circumstances can we, in good conscience, turn them away. Especially where we, in this country, have so much beyond what we require. As members of Christ's church, we made covenants that, among other things, mean we will try to do as he would do. I, obviously, have no say in what constitutes breaking your personal and private covenants with God.

All I would suggest is that you think about what you are suggesting you support before you click 'like' on that Facebook post.