WASHINGTON (AP) _ President Barack Obama says the Rev. Bill Hybels and other clergy — both liberal and conservative — have told him that reforming U.S. immigration laws is a moral imperative.

The senior pastor of the Chicago area’s Willow Creek Community Church introduced Obama Thursday at American University in Washington.

Hybels said many worshippers at Willow Creek’s Hispanic services are in the country illegally, and he urged Congress to offer them

– and millions like them — a path to U.S. citizenship.

Obama’s speech on immigration reform also was preceded by prayer from United Methodist Bishop John Schol (SHOHL), who asked God to help both border guards and people crossing the border.