THE FALL RIVER Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has voiced his concerns over immigration enforcement in the following statement:
Because you greeted me as a stranger, fed me when I was hungry, and gave me a drink when I was thirsty (Mt 25:35).
Every individual, from conception to natural death, is created in the image and likeness of God and, as such, ought to be treated with dignity, according to a core tenet of our Catholic faith. We are urged to consider not only our own deeds but also those of our society, including our government, using this lens.
Through new orders and a focus on the necessity of mass deportations, the new administration in Washington, D.C., has made immigration enforcement a top priority in its first few weeks in office.
To be clear, it is the duty of our government to protect our borders and ensure the safety of its people. Church teaching acknowledges a nation’s right and need to advance public order, safety, and security through properly regulated borders and reasonable immigration restrictions, as stated in a letter last week by Bishop Mark Sietz of El Paso, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration.
The Administration must, however, deal with immigration enforcement in a humanitarian manner, respecting the law and the dignity of all those involved. We must be dedicated as Christians to making sure of this. To paraphrase Bishop Sietz once more, we cannot tolerate injustice.
Pope John Paul II remarked this at the end of his 1987 papal visit to the United States. The attitude you have for the human individual reveals your genuine identity and national character, America.
One recent presidential order permits immigration officers to make arrests inside churches, schools, and medical facilities. Both Americans and immigrants have experienced a great deal of dread and worry as a result of this. It makes sense that some people question if it is still safe to pray in our churches or to send their kids to our schools. Churches are revered locations that have long been seen as a secure haven where anyone can go to find God’s strength and consolation. I pray and hope that the present climate won’t tear away the protection that our churches and other special locations formerly enjoyed.
We are quick to forget we are dealing with individuals with names and faces, Pope Francis observed earlier this year while discussing the need to balance migration governance with respect for human rights and dignity.
New immigrants have long been accepted by the Catholic Church in the United States, which also offers them pastoral care and other support. Through our parishes, schools, ministries, and most notably Catholic Charities’ immigration services, I am thankful that this is still the case in the Diocese of Fall River today.
I stand with many of my fellow bishops in advocating for comprehensive, effective, and bipartisan immigration reform that is consistent with the principles of the Gospel. I ask everyone with good intentions, including our believers, to join me in prayer for this. Please keep in mind our nation, which has always been a ray of hope and welcome, as well as the immigrants, refugees, and others among us who are looking for a safe haven to call home.
