Statement on the Current US Administration

The following statement is issued by The Global Network for Public Theology (GNPT) to express our concerns regarding recent policies and posture of the US administration that have hindered the ability of the network to gather together for exchange and collaboration.

In September of 2025, hundreds of public theologians from around the world were set to convene in Pasadena to discuss “Scripture in the Public Square.” However, recent immigration policies implemented by the current US administration have disrupted our historic gathering. International scholars have grown increasingly concerned about traveling to the USA, worried that they may be questioned, screened, deported, or even detained by immigration officials for their exercise of academic freedom and use of free speech, even as it is protected by the 19th Article of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They are concerned that convictions represented in their published materials will be weaponized against them. This unprecedented political reality has forced us to move our triennial conference online.

Considering the tradition of the prophets in the Hebrew Bible, the teachings of Jesus, and the courageous actions of churches throughout history, elements that are very dear to many member institutions, we hereby raise our concerns regarding the unjust acts of those in authority. We focus on the US administration’s policies on immigration, academic freedom, and global trade.

Immigration

We acknowledge: the right of any country and its political leaders to ensure its border security, protect its citizens, and promote economic prosperity; the right of governments to prevent criminal activity using law enforcement and to deal with crimes according to the law of the land; and the legal and moral responsibilities of any administration in pursuing the above rights.

However, our concerns are: the current law enforcement goes beyond the legal and reasonable protection of citizens and lawful residents in the US. It regards people who are seeking asylum as criminals per se, treats them inhumanely, and uses dehumanizing rhetoric; and, in some cases, immigrants have been detained and deported without due process or lawful means, or even without any intimation of having committed a crime.

GNPT understands: that Christians believe in a God who cares for vulnerable people (e.g., foreigners, orphans, and widows), and delights when his people do the same (Lev 19:34); that Jesus identifies with foreigners, immigrants, and exiles, as he himself lived in exile in Egypt (Matt 2:13-15); that Jesus teaches compassion and kindness towards others by taking care of the least of these brothers and sisters (Matt 25:40); and that compassionate justice is demonstrated when the just law is enforced, while also ensuring dignity and humane process (Genesis 1:26a; Amos 5:14-15).

Therefore, we urge the US administration: to prioritize dignifying, compassionate, and honest rhetoric when discussing immigrants; to follow the law and order of the country and international laws, carrying them out in a humane way and providing legal defense, guaranteeing constitutional rights; and to give careful scrutiny to its processes of arrest and deportation and treat immigrants and refugees with care and respect (Matt 7:12).

Freedom of expression

We acknowledge: that the US Constitution grants governmental authorities the responsibility to ensure that the laws be faithfully executed; that any administration has the right to govern and influence policy as long as they do not violate the Constitution’s primary objectives of union, justice, tranquility, general welfare, and the blessings of liberty; that the administration has, within constitutional restraints, a civic responsibility to fulfill the will of the people, because they were elected by democratic means; and that, in a polarized political context, people have strong disagreements in relation to political, economic, and social issues.

However, our concerns are: that freedom of expression is guaranteed by the US Constitution and efforts to restrict freedom are not merely impeding constructive dialogue but are unconstitutional; that there has been a deliberate attempt to retaliate toward universities, law firms, and other organizations by limiting or cutting federal funding; and that the administration is preventing healthy dialogue and debates in the public sphere, including on university campuses and in social and political gatherings.

GNPT understands: that submission to the authorities in the context of the US government means submission to the will of a people that holds a diversity of opinions; in the importance of truth-telling according to one’s own conviction, as in the scripture, that “the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32); in freedom of expression as a fundamental right, according to the US Constitution and the UN Declaration on Human Rights, which includes academic freedom; and that destructive polarization – the forceful attempt to silence the people in the opposition group – should be rejected.

Therefore, we urge the US administration: to provide and preserve public space for open debates and critical inquiry; and to cease using federal funding to achieve its own political and ideological agenda in a way that jeopardizes creative and innovative energy in our academic institutions and other organizations.

Global trade

We acknowledge: the historical importance for the US administration of seeking economic prosperity and overcoming trade deficits with other nations; that the US has made contributions to the world economy for decades by supporting a global economic system, free trade, and stability; and that the US has provided economic aid to many countries experiencing war, natural disasters, disease, and poverty through governmental and non-governmental aid programs.

However, our concerns are: that the recent abrupt changes of tariffs and other economic measures make the US and the world economy vulnerable, and will disproportionately affect the poor and the marginalized, even within the US itself; that policies which appear inconsistent and unpredictable cause instability in the market and will increase corruption; and that US supply of military and economic aid to the Israeli government encourages and enables their attempt to forcibly displace the Palestinians in Gaza.

GNPT understands: that Christians share a belief in God’s creative order and in his desire for all humanity to be in the “household of God” (oikoumene), which encourages them to work together as a family; and in the principle of seeking the common good, which encourages economic prosperity for all since we are part of an interconnected partnership of international trade.

Therefore, we urge the US administration: to make economic policies that are inclusive and long-term; to respect policies and agreements made with various economic blocs and nations, and if necessary, make changes with respect and fairness; and to continue to support the most vulnerable nations for the political and economic stability of each by providing economic aid.

In closing,

The Hebrew prophet Micah asked what is good and required of the people of God, and he answered: “to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8). The members of the GNPT believe this message of justice, kindness, and humility from the prophet calls all people of good will to work towards the common good of our humanity, regardless of nationality, race, gender, and religion

Executive members Global Network for Public Theology May 2025