Politics, immigration status, and religion are some of the most personal issues in America today. All of them may soon be a part of the debate in the Texas legislature.
Nearly a dozen faith leaders from around Central Texas -- priests, rabbis, and pastors -- gathered Wednesday morning at First Methodist Church in downtown Austin.
"In Leviticus we are told that the strangers and the sojourners who are with us shall be to you as the natives among you," Bishop Jim Dorff of United Methodist Church said.
The religious leaders' sermon Wednesday was about a proposed state law.
The Texas legislature is expected to consider legislation barring so-called sanctuary cities for undocumented immigrants in Texas. That proposed legislation would allow local law enforcement to question someone's immigration status.
"We do not want to create a community in which mis-trust and suspicion are the standards in everyday relationships," Rabbi Neil Blumofe of Congregation Agudas Achim said.
Unified in opposition they traded the pulpit for policy.
"Jesus identifies himself with newcomers and with other marginalized persons in a special way stating, 'I was a stranger and you welcomed me,'" Bishop Joe Vasquez of the Catholic Diocses of Austin said.
The announcement was designed to send a message to lawmakers. However, at least one Catholic lawmaker says his own church is putting him in a very difficult position.
State Representative Jose Aliseda (R) - Beeville read from the catechism of the Catholic Church; the teachings that guide practicing Catholics.
"Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic duties," Aliseda read.
Aliseda rejects the argument made by the faith leaders saying the catechism actually speaks out against illegal immigration.
Aliseda is a newly elected conservative Hispanic Republican. He serves South Texas. He spent 13 years navigating red tape to make his immigration from Mexico legal. He is in favor of the sanctuary city bill.
"I respect people who come here looking for a better life, but if they haven't following our laws, what am I supposed to do?" Aliseda said.
That is a question legislators of all faiths and all backgrounds may soon have to answer.
It has been slow going for immigration legislation so far this session. Sanctuary city bills are still lingering in committee.
Wednesday night a House committee will hear a bill which would jail Texans who hire an undocumented immigrant, unless they are hired to do household chores. Another bill in committee Wednesday night would make English the official language of Texas.
It is unclear when or if those bills will make it to the full House of Representatives for a vote.
