After facing significant backlash, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) has removed an online article instructing illegal immigrants on how to avoid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision came only after massive public outcry, raising questions about how a prominent Christian denomination could stray so far from biblical teachings and U.S. law.
The now-deleted webpage shockingly advised illegal immigrants to keep identity documents that don’t disclose their country of origin and provided tips on what to say to ICE officers, including claiming “credible fear” to delay deportation. This blatant attempt to circumvent immigration law outraged many faithful churchgoers and law-abiding citizens who believe in respecting the rule of law.
After the controversy exploded online, the PCA issued a statement acknowledging the “error” and pledged to investigate how such content was published. In the apology letter, the PCA’s Mission to North America (MNA) admitted that its leadership “erroneously allowed the posting of content that advised undocumented persons on ways to avoid being detained by authorities.”
This wasn’t just a minor oversight—it was a direct contradiction of biblical principles. Scripture clearly calls on believers to respect lawful authority (Romans 13:1-4), a standard the PCA confessed it violated. “To counsel otherwise is a sin,” the letter stated. While the apology is a step in the right direction, many conservatives are asking why this guidance was ever published in the first place.
Was this a rogue move by a few progressive insiders trying to push a political agenda under the guise of ministry? Or worse, does it reflect a broader trend of left-leaning activism infiltrating religious institutions? Either way, this incident highlights growing concerns about churches becoming entangled in partisan politics instead of focusing on spiritual guidance.
Notably, the PCA emphasized that its Refugee and Immigrant Ministry (RIM) will no longer provide guidance that crosses into legal advice or political activism. Moving forward, the church claims it will stick to offering “ecclesiastical resources” aligned with its confession. But for many, this assurance comes too late. The damage is done, and trust has been eroded.
Conservatives across the country are calling on the PCA to take concrete steps to prevent future breaches of this magnitude. “This isn’t just about one bad webpage. It’s about standing firm on biblical truth and American values,” one longtime church member stated. “We should be helping immigrants through lawful and compassionate means, not enabling lawbreaking.”
The MNA Permanent Committee is set to address the controversy at its spring meeting in March, but accountability can’t wait until then. With the PCA General Assembly convening in June, church leaders must answer tough questions about how this debacle happened—and how they’ll ensure it never happens again.
Bottom line: Churches should be sanctuaries of faith, not sanctuaries for illegal activity. The PCA owes its members, and the American people, more than just words. It’s time for action, repentance, and a return to core values.
