Oklahoma Clergy Call for Compassionate Immigration Reform

Christian leaders urge elected officials to create paths to legal status and keep families together.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A group of Christian clergy in Oklahoma City are calling on elected officials to enact compassionate and just immigration reform. They say the current system is "broken" and disruptive, leading to families being torn apart. The clergy are asking for steps to end illegal immigration while creating paths to permanent legal status, processes to keep families together, and to welcome refugees, arguing that reform is necessary to allow immigrants to live and work legally in the U.S.

Why it matters

Immigration reform is a contentious political issue, with debates over border security, legal status, and family separation. This call from Oklahoma clergy represents a faith-based perspective emphasizing compassion and respect for human dignity, which could influence the policy debate.

The details

The group of Christian clergy from multiple denominations shared stories of community members being detained by law enforcement, including a father who was pulled over and taken away while his two daughters, aged 10 and 15, were in the car. They say children are being harmed by the current system and that as people of faith, they believe they can do something about it. The clergy are asking elected officials to take steps to end illegal immigration while creating paths to permanent legal status, processes to keep families together, and to welcome refugees.

  • The clergy made their call for reform on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Chris Brewster

A pastor at The Well church who shared several stories about the impacts of the current immigration system on families.

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What they’re saying

“There are two girls left homeless and parentless after a mom reported to an appointment where she was told to prove maternity for two of her youngest children, who are in a refugee facility in Texas. We cannot believe that it is morally acceptable that children are harmed when we, as people of faith, can do something about it.”

— Chris Brewster, Pastor (KFOR)

“On the way to drop off his tenth-grade daughter at a high school, he was pulled over at 47th and Shields and pulled out of his vehicle because he didn't have an ID. His 15-year-old daughter is in the back seat and asked police why he's being taken; they said we have a warrant, but never produced one.”

— Chris Brewster, Pastor (KFOR)

What’s next

The clergy have made an official release on their stance and provided multiple statements, which are available online for elected officials and the public to review.

The takeaway

This call from Oklahoma clergy represents a faith-based perspective on immigration reform that emphasizes compassion, keeping families together, and respecting the dignity of all people. Their stories highlight the human impacts of the current system and could influence the ongoing policy debate around this contentious issue.