WS Chronicle

The Evangelical Immigration Table, which includes a number of faith-based groups, has launched its newest and largest paid-media campaign to reach evangelicals on the issue of immigration. The effort includes radio ads in North Carolina and a billboard in Raleigh. The radio ad features Rev. Alex Cosio of Apex (N.C.) Baptist Church.

The ad campaign further increases the Evangelical Immigration Table’s support for bipartisan, common-sense immigration reform and builds on the 92-day “Pray for Reform” campaign. The call took place as small groups of Christians in at least 20 states gathered in their communities to pray for immigrants and for Congress as part of the Pray for Reform campaign.

The national ads on Christian and talk radio stations feature Dr. Russell Moore, president-elect of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, and Lynne Hybels, co-founder of Willow Creek Community Church. In addition, ads featuring local pastors are airing on stations in Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Pray for Reform billboards will appear in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.

“Evangelicals understand that our broken system is a moral issue; this isn’t just a legal issue, it isn’t a political issue or an economic issue only,” said Moore. “It’s a moral issue and it’s been a stain on our country for too long. Now is the time for the country to come together for an immigration system that respects the God-given human dignity of every person.”

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are currently trying to hash out an immigration bill. Their efforts have been stifled by policy disagreements.