Why Churches Struggle to Speak Clearly on Immigration with Rondell Treviño

Feb 18
2 min read

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Hope in Action with Tracie L. Morgan and Ashley Glimasinski | Why Churches Struggle to Speak Clearly on Immigration with Rondell Treviño

Why is it so difficult for many churches to take a clear stance on immigration? In this episode of Hope in Action, we explore the tension many congregations feel at the intersection of faith, fear, and politics. We talk honestly about why pastors often hesitate to address immigration from the pulpit, and what you can do to fill this gap, if you feel compelled to.

Later in the episode, we’re joined by former pastor and The Immigration Coalition founder Rondell Treviño, who shares candid insight into what it felt like to navigate immigration conversations from the pulpit. He reflects on political pressure, fear of rejection, identity confusion, and how Christians can “live in the tension” — loving both country and neighbor without collapsing into fear or partisanship.

We close with practical encouragement for both pastors and congregants: small, faithful steps that create space for courage. Because boldness doesn’t always look like a protest or a policy statement. Sometimes it can be as simple as a single sentence in a prayer.

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What You’ll Learn from this Episode about Why Churches Struggle to Speak Clearly on Immigration:

Why many pastors remain silent about immigration - and what pressures they’re navigating.
How silence can unintentionally communicate distance to immigrant church members.
What Scripture clearly says about hospitality, justice, and care for the vulnerable.
Why immigration feels more political now than it did decades ago.
How to “live in the tension” as a Christian.
Practical ways congregants can encourage courageous leadership without creating conflict.
Why small acts - a sentence, a prayer, a posture - can shift the culture of a church.