English First or Humanity First: A Commentary by Stephen Handy and Bettye P. Lewis

The Rev. Stephen Handy

After following all the statements and rhetoric triggered by the “English First” proposal, as an African American pastor, I am concerned over the fact that our great city of Nashville would spend the time debating, discussing, and strategizing over an issue of situational injustice. While I respect the opinions of others, let us be reminded that besides our Native Brothers and Sisters, we are all technically immigrants. Therefore, imagine if there had been a “Native American First” proposal centuries ago, then none of us would have been given the right or privilege to speak and interact with others in our native language. Therefore, we must ask ourselves a series of questions: “How far will we go?” Beyond the rhetoric of sides and lines being drawn, do we really have the right to determine who gets excluded? Beyond the political grandstanding, do we have the privilege to determine which language is first? Beyond the economic impact of this city, do we have the right to legislate morality? I believe that our role as citizens – as people of God – is to connect and relate to all humanity, and never to exclude or destroy. Ephesians 2:19 reminds us that we are “no longer strangers and aliens, but citizens…of the household of God.”

Think for a moment how this city has progressed from “segregated restrooms and schools, water fountains and lunch counters” to a place where “radical hospitality” is not only extended, but is rather expected. Our neighborhoods are now a mosaic of togetherness. In fact Nashville has become a community of diverse languages, relationships, and communities. We have by no means achieved perfection, but much progress in being made. We are beginning to truly see each other, to respect differences, and to converse with each other as human beings of worth and value. We are no longer strangers, but are fellow citizens – fully enfranchised members of God’s human family.

The Rev. Bettye Lewis

Therefore, if we decide to vote for the “English First” proposal, in essence we are closing the doors to others and creating divisions of ethnic proportions. However, as fellow citizens of the household of God, we are called to keep the doors of fairness, inclusivity, and reconciliation open to all. When we vote against the English First proposal, then we are saying “yes” to “Humanity First” – yes to establishing new patterns of relationships that are essential in modeling Christian unity for the family of God. Understandably, unity is never easy, but it is always necessary for a city – a household – to become great. Greatness is defined by how we embrace the stranger among us. It never excludes the “least of these”, but extends a hand and open heart, only made possible by the transforming love of Christ.

Without doubt the levels of complexity surrounding immigration issues are multifaceted. There are not any easy solutions, but our actions must never abort the opportunity for us to understand and reconcile our differences with others. Eliminating the possibility of other voices, other imaginations, other hopes and dreams is to thwart the reality of the beloved community which then becomes a travesty and a misrepresentation of humanity. Simply put, it is unchristian.

Therefore, now is not the time to sit down and not voice our vote. Hear the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Let us then all stand for justice, not a comfortable justice, but rather an inconvenient, or inclusive justice that builds community, values people, and seeks to welcome the stranger – a justice that does not mean assimilation, but honors diversity, listens to the different languages and voices of the gathered community, and acknowledges the sacred worth of all God’s people.

How far will we go? Because we were “all strangers in a foreign land,” we can stand unified as one body in Christ all the way to the polls. Because we are all incorporated as fellow citizens, fully enfranchised members of God’s human family, we MUST vote “NO” to this proposition of exclusion. Remember, it’s not about “English First”, but “Humanity First.”

In Christ there is no east or west,
In him no south or north;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth. (John Oxenham)