It never ceases to amaze me how people can read the same Book and come to such different views as to what that book means and how it impacts their lives.
When Christ talks of Loving you neighbour as yourself", when he says that we should "treat others as we'd want to be treated", when he says that "when you welcome the stranger you welcome me", and "when you deny the stranger you deny me", was there any mention of legality, or are we called on to help those in need no matter what their legal status?.
I understand the thoughts of being "swamped", of being "overrun", of the strain on the healthcare, housing and other social support services, but on these boards we are discussing issues from a Christian perspective, not what we think, or our perspective on the matter, but what Christ says on this issue supported by relevant texts and quotes, and it seems to me that from a Christ centred perspective there is no difference between legal and illegal, the only criteria for our help and support is are those people in need of that help and support, and for the vast majority, illegal or legal, the answer is yes. So then the question is do we follow our own prejudices and beliefs in denying that help and support or follow Christs teachings and help whether they be legal or illegal, friend or enemy. ?