I Felt I Had a Voice: From the Pulpit to the Capitol

By Rev. Ricardo Orsini

My experience at the Florida Capitol was fantastic. The journey began with a group of Pastors and leaders driving from Orlando to the State Capitol in Tallahassee. Once we arrived, we had the opportunity to learn about and dive deeply into policies affecting minorities in the state of Florida.

Florida policies like SB 1718 have tightened immigration enforcement, penalizing the transportation and hiring of undocumented individuals. These measures have led to racial profiling, labor shortages, reduced access to education, and a decline in public school enrollment, which has caused teachers to lose their positions. As a result, attendance in many of our churches has also been affected.

“Most are living in a climate of fear, anxiety, and doubt about what the future will be like for them.”

I am the pastor of Pathway Church, and I have witnessed a shift in the climate of many Latinos’ lives. Most are living in fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about what the future holds. It is true that we do not want criminals walking the streets. However, a very small number of immigrants have committed what is considered criminal activity. There is a judicial process that every person should be afforded if they are accused of a crime. Or at least that is my understanding of the Constitution.

A significant number of immigrants came to the United States through political asylum or refugee status. They were granted TPS and EADs. Many did not cross the border; instead, they arrived by plane and were granted legal status and protection. Over the past several years, many immigrants have started businesses and purchased homes. Their children have attended school, learned English, and built friendships. Now that they are established, the federal government is revoking TPS. It feels like changing the rules of the game after it has already begun.

I am for justice for all people. I love this country. The variety of cultures has enriched the United States and made it unique in the world. I believe this administration can achieve its goals without marginalizing immigrants. Let us create processes that allow immigrants who are contributing to this nation the opportunity to earn their stay. Let us treat one another with compassion and respect.

I had a member of Pathway Church who lived here for 12 years. He came under political asylum and was given TPS and EAD status. He started a trucking business transporting goods. Recently, he was stopped by ICE in Texas on his way back to Florida. He was placed in a detention center for 21 days and was only able to shower five times during that period. He was then released with an ankle monitor, like a criminal. He has never committed a crime, yet he is being treated as one.

“He was recently stopped by ICE in Texas on his way back to Florida. He was placed in a detention center for 21 days. He took only 5 showers during the 21 days at the detention center. ”

It was heartbreaking to hear his story and the stories of many others. I am not a politician, but as a Christian, I am called to spread the Gospel and make the Kingdom of God known on earth. Our desire to do good and improve the lives of others comes from the heart of God. Lately, I have been hearing mixed messages that can be confusing. Each party has its own opinions and perspectives, but this is not a Republican or Democratic issue—it is a human rights issue. We all have the right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

We should simplify our thinking. It truly is simple: we are a nation under God. As Christians, we should turn to the Bible for guidance in navigating this world. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) defines a neighbor as anyone in need, regardless of background, color, or race.

The question is: what are migrants? Are they our neighbors? There are four types of migrants: economic migrants seeking better opportunities; forced migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers fleeing persecution; family migrants joining relatives; and educational migrants pursuing study or work-related opportunities. I believe the answer is yes—they are all our neighbors. Like any group, there are those who do good and those who do harm. Those who commit crimes should go through due process, be detained if necessary, and possibly deported. However, most are here because the United States has long been a symbol of hope for improving their families’ lives.

“This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. This is a human rights issue. We all have the right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. ”

I believe many politicians truly think they are doing the right thing. I do not believe most of them vote on policy with the intent to harm others. However, they may not fully realize the trauma, chaos, and pain their decisions can cause. That is why we must pray for our leaders—from the president to the governor to local representatives—that they would seek guidance through Scripture and prayer.

In Acts chapter 9, we read about the conversion of Saul, who later became Paul. Saul was a zealous persecutor of Christians and believed he was upholding the law. But on the road to Damascus, he encountered a bright light and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” In that moment, he realized he had the wrong perspective. He was persecuting those he should have been serving. We must pray that our leaders see clearly and lead with a biblical perspective.

I am a conservative who loves his neighbor. I am called to live according to biblical truth. We help people in other nations, and now the nations have come to us. Will we not help them? As Christians, we recognize law, authority, and social order. However, we are also called to live by grace, to show mercy, to love our neighbor, and to demonstrate compassion. We are called to “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

“We are called to live by grace, to show mercy, to love our neighbor, and to show compassion. ”

It was a true joy to speak with staff members at the Florida Capitol. I felt that I had a voice. They allowed us to share the stories of those impacted by these policies. It was a journey of personal growth that fueled and energized me. I left with a renewed sense of hope for change. I observed representatives in session, many of whom are working hard to serve their communities. We must continue to persistently raise our voices. If we do, we will see change.

About The Author

Rev. Ricardo Orsini is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and has served as the founder and pastor of Pathway Church for the past 26 years. He is part of the Florida Multicultural District of the Assemblies of God, where he serves as the Presbyter of Section 9.

In addition to his ministry work, he has dedicated 30 years to the field of education. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from the University of Central Florida, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University, and is currently a doctoral student at Southeastern University.

Rev. Orsini is also the author of the book I Am Calling You, Young Minister.