May 5, 2010

Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, 218th General Assembly Moderator

Rev. Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk, OGA
Elder Linda Valentine, Director of the GAMC

Dear Bruce, Gradye and Linda,

We have read the letter you sent to Congress with a copy to the President and the Governor of Arizona about
the approval of regulation SB1070 in this state, with great pleasure.

We recognize the difficult nature of the Immigration discussion that has deeply divided our population but the
Church of Jesus Christ cannot pursue political benefits while compromising the message of the Gospel with
partisan fights and strategies. Your letter is a brave, honest and clear call to the conscience of our nation about a
human tragedy that is taking place here in the heart of the most developed country of the world that claims to
be a safe place for immigrants, a refuge for those persecuted, and a symbol of liberty and freedom.

The security of our borders is not based on the separation of families or on the deportation of humble workers.
The application of our laws cannot rely on the subjective appreciation of individuals. The approval of this new
regulation in Arizona is not a solution to the immigration problem, does not secure our country, and only
contributes to create more bigotry, discrimination and division in our already divided nation.

Your letter is a stand that reflects not only Christian beliefs but our Reformed tradition. You have interpreted
with precision and clarity the dreams and cries of millions of immigrants and also the ethos of the Reformed
Tradition started by Calvin in Geneva that was the city of refugees and immigrants during the convulsive time of
the Reformation.

The immigration debate has become the new civil rights movement of the 21st Century and we as your
colleagues and fellow Presbyterians welcome your witness and commitment on taking a stand on this historic
moment.

From the bottom of our hearts we say thank you and God bless you.

1. Rev. Alfredo Miranda, Moderator 6. Rev. Carmen Rosario, Pastor Washington

Hispano/Latino Presbyterian Caucus
2. Rev. José Luis Casal, General Missioner of
Tres Rios Presbytery
3. Rev. Tony Aja, Hispanic/Latino Ministries
Coordinator, Mid-Kentucky Presbytery
4. Rev. Amy Méndez, Racial Ethnic Ministries
Coordinator of Denver Presbytery
5. Rev. Lemuel García Arroyo, Associate
Presbyter of Salem Presbytery
Heights Presbyterian Church, NY
7. Rev. Mauricio Chacón, Pastor Iglesia
Presbiteriana Fuente de Esperanza,
Houston, TX
8. Rev. Sandra Luciano, Pastor Iglesia
Presbiteriana El Buen Vecino, Kissimmee, FL.
9. Rev. Dr. Hector Rodriguez, Associate for
Hispanic/Latino(a) Congregational Support
Office, GAMC
10. Rev. Marissa Galván-Valle, Associate for
Resources and Relationships with
Hispanic/Latino constituencies, GAMC