Opinion: Our Afghan neighbors should be welcomed, not detained

By  and , Guest Columnist Updated: January 16, 2026 4:00 AM CT | Published: January 16, 2026 4:00 AM CT
Stephen Cook
Guest Columnist

Stephen Cook

Dr. Stephen H. Cook is Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church.

Mark Luttrell
Guest Columnist

Mark Luttrell

Mark Luttrell Jr. is a former Shelby County Sheriff and former Shelby County mayor. He serves as a deacon at Second Baptist Church.

“These Afghan immigrants are not criminals. These are our neighbors. They did not enter the United States illegally and they have not violated any of the prescribed guidelines our government has given them.”

Topics

Guest Columns Second Baptist Church Christ Community Afghan Church Mark Luttrell

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