The following is an interview with M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), PhD. Daniel is Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Denver Seminary and will be the keynote speaker for And You Welcomed Me: A consultation of the people of God on immigration <http://mennonitemission.net/immigration/>.

Dr. Carroll responded by email to our questions:

1. How will people who attend this seminar benefit, especially from hearing you? What tools do you hope to give them? What will happen if they are together in person that they can't get from reading your book?

After being under the radar for a year, the topic of immigration is once more gaining attention. President Obama has said that he would like to move the country toward new legislation that will reform the current broken system. At such a time as this, it is important for Christians to think through the issues biblically and seek God's perspective. Sadly, many Christians engage this issue only from the perspective of economics (What does the presence of immigrants cost? Are they a financial benefit or burden for the country?) or culture (Will immigrants learn English and American ways?). These, and others, are important items to consider, but what might a self-consciously Christian approach to immigration look like? Would it raise different issues or have a different tone?

The purpose of the seminar is to present the biblical material on migration--and there is a lot! Being physically present in the seminar will allow time for free-flowing and constructive give-and-take, questions and answers and the sharing of experiences related to immigration in ways that move beyond reading my book Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church, and the Bible (<http://www.amazon.com/Christians-Border-Immigration-Church-Bible/dp/080103566X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248195875&sr=8-1>) (or any other resource). Immigration is a complicated topic. Coming to the seminar will allow all of us to really "chew on it" in depth.

A hope, too, is that my background will help move the discussion along. I am the son of a Guatemalan mother and an American father (who was the son of Irish immigrants). I was raised primarily in this country with a foot in both cultures, and I am bilingual. Before coming to Denver Seminary I taught at a seminary in Guatemala City for 13 years, and I remain an adjunct there. I return every summer to Guatemala to teach (I just got back last week, in fact!). I also am involved in both Hispanic and Anglo churches in Denver.

2. We're aware of how immigration currently affects congregations because we're living it, but what do you see for the future?

Millions of those who have entered this country are actively practicing Christians or at least come from some sort of Christian background. Hispanic churches are springing up all over the country, either as part of existing denominations or as free-standing congregations--some are even church plants from Latin America! To interact with these congregations is to get involved in some amazing things that God is doing in many hidden ways in our communities. There are opportunities to reach out to those in need in the name of Jesus, to encourage these struggling congregations, and to learn new things from them about God and Christian faith. Non-immigrant congregations will be all the richer by getting involved or at least by being positive voices in our communities. This is an opportunity to appreciate in a fresh manner the truth that the Body of Christ is made up of diverse cultures, languages, and colors!

3. We care about immigrants because we are God's people. What is God saying to Mennonites in the United States today about immigrants?

Mennonites have a unique history of service to the world. It has not been uncommon that such efforts have not been understood or appreciated by the broader Christian church. This may be another moment in which the Mennonite church can set an example for others, who are less welcoming to outsiders or who have doubts about those who have come into their communities. As Mennonites fulfill their calling and mission, they will not only continue their pioneer work of caring for others in peace, but they also may point the way for others to follow.

Conference information

September 18-20, 2009
Lakeview Camp and Conference Center,
Waxahachie, Texas (near Dallas)
<http://mennonitemission.net/immigration/>

Discount registration is available through August 25. <http://www.logiforms.com/formdata/user_forms/19611_4373678/71271/>

Everyone is welcome!