A special task force to address immigration topics within the Church of God met via conference call on November 17, 2010.
Dr. Tim Hill, first assistant general overseer of the Church of God and chairman of the task force, led the conference call with Immigration Task Force members to address concerns related to immigration. The task force consists of Carlos S. Moran, Eliezer Bonilla, Angel Marcial, R.C. Hugh Nelson, Samuel Santana, Luis Rodriguez, and Gary Sears.
During the meeting, various issues were outlined and discussed including identifying areas where the subject of immigration is prominent such as Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas. The task force discussed family displacement and its impact on the local churches and regional offices. It was also discussed that immigration concerns are not limited to the Hispanic community; they also involve and affect other ethnic groups in other areas as well.
“The primary focus of this group from the very start has been pastoral in nature,” Chairman Hill stated. “We want to express our concern for the families, local churches, state and regional offices most affected by the immigration issue and concentrate our efforts in these areas.”
The Immigration Task Force will meet again in early 2011 to continue discussions.