The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) has issued an apology for guidance provided to undocumented immigrants, which advised them on how to evade detainment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to the Christian Post, The guidance, intended to help immigrants navigate policy changes, has been withdrawn following public outcry and internal church dissent.

In January, the PCA's subsidiary, Mission to North America (MNA), published a resource page titled "Refugee & Immigrant Ministry for Churches: Help Immigrants Facing 2025 Policy Changes." This page was aimed at assisting churches in supporting migrants amidst evolving U.S. immigration policies.

The advice included recommendations for illegal immigrants to avoid carrying documents indicating their country of origin or any false immigration papers. Furthermore, it suggested that undocumented individuals should refrain from disclosing their country of origin or criminal history to authorities.

The sharing of such advice quickly brought significant attention, particularly after the resource page went viral on the social media platform X last week, leading to its subsequent removal.

Initial Response and Removal of Controversial Guidance

Responding to the backlash, PCA leadership promptly took down the controversial resource page. Senior church officials, including MNA Director Irwyn Ince, publicly expressed regret over the incident, highlighting a breach of the church's principles.

Ince articulated deep remorse in his statement, acknowledging that their intentions, though rooted in a desire to aid, had deviated from PCA's theological and ethical standards. "We affirm that it is our Christian duty to obey the lawful commands of the civil magistrate and be subject to their authority," Ince explained.

The fallout from the guidance publication has prompted revisions in the PCA's approach to distributing information. Moving forward, the church has committed to focusing solely on ecclesiastical resources that align with their Confessional standards, explicitly avoiding any form of legal advice.

Community Reactions and Responsibilities Reaffirmed

The content not only sparked internal corrections but also caught the attention of the church's broader membership. Zachary Groff, a senior pastor and member of PCA's oversight committee, reported widespread disappointment and dismay among the church community regarding the publication.

"The rank-and-file of the PCA is not at all pleased or supportive of what was published," Groff stated, elucidating the general sentiment within the denomination. He stressed that the published advice was a grave error of judgment, though he clarified, "The individuals involved did not have ill intentions."

The unexpected controversy has convened church leaders to reassess their protocols on how they engage with social issues, especially those as divisive as immigration policy.

Denomination Outlook and Internal Review

The upcoming General Assembly in June will directly address this issue, providing a platform for participants to engage in extensive discussions on the denomination's public outreach and its alignment with theological directives. Groff emphasized that this meeting will play a crucial role in setting future guidelines and preventing similar mistakes.

The PCA’s strategy moving forward will hinge on maintaining a delicate balance between supporting community members and respecting legal and ethical boundaries.

This incident has also highlighted the church's need to establish clear boundaries regarding its role in political and legal matters, reaffirming its commitment to complying with governmental laws and regulations.

Looking Ahead: PCA's Commitment to Lawful Practice

In concluding remarks, Ince reiterated the PCA's commitment to upholding the law and guiding its followers under biblical teachings. "MNA’s Refugee & Immigrant Ministry, along with other MNA ministries, seeks to serve our churches with resources that enable them to faithfully follow our Lord’s call to love the stranger," he said, underscoring a foundational aspect of their mission.

As the PCA navigates this challenging episode, its leaders remain focused on reinforcing the church's core values, ensuring its ministries act within the bounds of ecclesiastical and civil obedience.

The June Assembly will likely be a pivotal moment for the PCA as it seeks to restore confidence among its members and realign its outreach efforts with its doctrinal beliefs and ethical commitments.